Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that feed on humans, pets, livestock and wild animals. They are also disease-carrying insects, to animals as well as humans. The so-called hard ticks that are most common in Ireland can often be found in areas of rough grasslands and moist woodlands abundant in vertebrate hosts, such as deer, cattle, sheep, birds, etc. So, unfortunately, our beloved Kerry is a real tick magnet. This can only mean one thing — we need to be extra careful when out and about with our pets. The seasonal risk period for exposure in Ireland is from April to October, owing to the mild temperatures and relatively high humidity, which ticks prefer for their activity. Please keep checking your pets (and yourselves) for ticks daily — early detection and prompt removal are keys to avoiding the transferal of diseases. Consider investing in reusable plastic tick removal tools — they are cheap, available in most pharmacies, and very useful to have when you live in a rural area. It is also recommended that we use insect repellent when we're enjoying the great outdoors during tick season. To prevent infestations, veterinarians recommend treating all your pets for parasites all year round, which is the only way of breaking the life cycle of ticks. Consult your vet regarding the right treatment for your pets. Stay safe!