Send the kids outside to play. Avoid and treat issues from pests, allergies and heat with these tips.

Protect yourself from tick-related diseases.

The 4th of July is a fun-filled holiday. Be sure to stay safe.

What are the dangers of being bitten by bugs during the summer months?

Lyme disease often takes the forefront when considering tick-borne illnesses, but other tick-borne diseases can be equally dangerous.

Lyme disease cases are on the rise. What do you need to do to protect yourself?

Last summer, we were worried about drought. Not so much this summer, as our rain dances seem to have worked, and many parts of the country have already had their fair share of storms (with more on the way).

Yet, with all the rain, moisture and flooding comes another problem: Ticks. Many news sources have reported that this year is expected to be a record breaking season for ticks. Lucky us!

If you live in an urban area, with plenty of concrete and skyscrapers, there isn’t much threat from this blood-sucking parasite. However, if you live in a more suburban or rural area, or plan on escaping the city to go camping or hiking, you'll need to be more vigilant. Ticks are usually most active from April until September and they can attach to you, your children, or your pets.

And ticks are no mere nuisance. They can be dangerous disease spreaders, especially when removed improperly.

What is the best defense against tick bites and Lyme disease? We've got the 411 on tick prevention.

Bug bites, bee stings and certain plants like poison ivy can cause extreme irritation and are potentially dangerous.