Dear Miss Fifi: 

What can be done to help prevent tick bites this time of year? 

- Once Bitten 

~~~ 

Dear Once Bitten: 

Ick! Mis Fifi cannot stand ticks!

Those creepy crawly parasites seem to be everywhere this year, so dilligence is key in avoiding a disasterous bite—for both you humans and we pets. I had my faithful feline assistant, Dilettante Dilly, do a little research for us. She found two great sites with quick tips for avoiding the bite. I've only listed some highlights below, so make sure you take a minute to read further through 10 Tips to Avoid Tick Bites and the National Park Service's site. It might do you some good.

• Check your pets and your kids before letting them loose in the house.
• Inspect your head and body thoroughly when you get in from the field; have someone else check your back.
• Tuck your pant legs into your socks, and wear light colored clothing.
• Tumble your clothes through the dryer in high heat.

Good luck. Woof!