"Because we had such a mild winter due to "El Nino," many bugs, including ticks and fleas, survived only to contribute to what may be a bug-infested summer."

Summertime is just around the corner, and what a glorious season for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, walking your pets, and whatnot. Picture it -- you’ve just spent your entire day mastering a steep and winding hiking trail to enjoy the splendid view from the top. As you sit there admiring the scene, you feel something tickling your ankle. You look down only to discover a big, nasty tick crawling up your leg looking for dinner – your blood!

Summertime is harvest time for ticks and fleas. Moreover, because we had such a mild winter due to "El Nino," many bugs, including ticks and fleas, survived only to contribute to what may be a bug-infested summer. This year it will be especially important that you take precautions to protect yourself and your pets from these pesky parasites.

Fleas are wingless jumpers that infest the skin and fur, though they do not usually live exclusively on pets. They live in carpets, couches and other areas of the home. Fleas also multiply extremely fast. Ticks are tiny, external parasites that bore into the skin. They live on the bodies of mammals, birds and reptiles. Some ticks even serve as carriers of serious diseases to pets and humans.

Prevention and protection against ticks and fleas is extremely important. Environmental controls can protect you and your pets against ticks and fleas. Spraying the grass and bushes in your yard with a chemical solution recommended by your veterinarian or a home and garden center is often very effective in eliminating fleas and ticks. Thoroughly cleaning the inside of your home, including frequently cleaning your pet’s belongings, eating areas and sleeping quarters, can also prevent a major infestation. After you vacuum, throw away the vacuum bag because ticks and fleas can crawl out of these bags and re-invade your home.

Another effective method for flea and tick protection is to use an insect repellent when going outdoors for any length of time. Be sure to read the labels and check with your physician before applying these products to your skin so as to avoid any allergic or other reactions.

Some other helpful precautions include:

• wearing light-colored clothes so that ticks can be spotted more easily;

• taping the area where pants and socks meet so that ticks cannot crawl under your clothing;

• wearing a hat and a long-sleeved shirt for added protection; and

• walking in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush.

After being outdoors, you should remove your clothing and wash and dry it at high temperature. Additionally, inspect your body carefully and remove any attached ticks. Ticks can carry several infectious diseases, such as Lyme Disease, which can be transmitted to people. For this reason, use gloves or tweezers to remove and handle ticks. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull straight back with a slow, steady force. Don’t crush the tick’s body. Dispose of live ticks by placing them in rubbing alcohol or flushing them down the toilet.

Your pets also need protection from ticks and fleas. There are many products, such as powders, sprays, dips, treated collars, or even pills that provide such protection. Visit with your veterinarian for advice on the best source of protection for your pet. Regularly groom your pet with a small flea and tick comb and immediately remove any ticks you find. Remember to use gloves or tweezers to remove the tick.

With just a few simple precautions against ticks and fleas, you can make your life and your pets’ life safer and more pleasurable. For more information, contact Dr. Tom McChesney, Division of Epidemiology, at the Arkansas Department of Health at 661-2893.