Ticks do not fly and they cannot jump. For them to attach to their quarry they will wait for them on the tip of a piece of grass with their front legs outstretched, or in leaf/grass/tree litter on the ground or bushes. Once a potential host passes by the tick will quickly be attached and then find a site to attach. This process is enhanced for the tick by vibrations of the host passing by body heat and carbon dioxide being released while breathing and is passing through.

Video: Dr. Zainulabeuddin Syed, University of Kentucky Department of Entomology