Background: Argas reflexus is a Argasidae member that primarily parasitizes feral pigeons (Columba livia). In urban areas with large pigeon populations, it often infests buildings such as attics, bell towers, and roofs used by pigeons. When its avian hosts are absent, A. reflexus can invade human dwellings and bite people, posing significant public health concerns. This review synthesizes the current literature on A. reflexus, emphasizing its biology and epidemiology, health impacts (especially allergic reactions), and the challenges of controlling this urban parasite. Methods: We reviewed the literature on Argas reflexus by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant articles, focusing on its biology, health effects, and management. Results: The main health risk of A. reflexus is severe allergic reactions, including lifethreatening anaphylaxis, often at night. It can carry pathogens like Borrelia, Rickettsia, and Coxiella burnetii, but its role in spreading them to humans is unclear. Its long lifespan and ability to survive without food make elimination from buildings difficult. Conclusion: The primary public health threat posed by the urban ectoparasite Argas reflexus is not disease transmission, but its capacity to induce severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Its unique biological resilience renders eradication from infested buildings highly challenging, necessitating an integrated management approach targeting both the ticks and their pigeon hosts .Therefore, the key takeaway for public health practice is the urgent need for greater awareness among clinicians to prevent misdiagnosis of nocturnal anaphylaxis. For future research, the priority must be to move beyond simple pathogen detection and conduct vectorial competence studies to definitively clarify its role in disease transmission. Effective control of this resilient parasite ultimately depends on this dual approach: enhancing clinical vigilance in the present while pursuing targeted research for the future.

Keywords