As the spring season approaches, and people are emerging from the warm shelter of their homes to enjoy the great outdoors, Department of Defense public health officials are advising service members and their families to beware of another creature that emerges during spring.

Our veterinarians tell you how to keep Spot, Whiskers, your military working dog, and yourself safe from bugs that cause disease.

Ticks are always out there ready to feed on you. Protect yourself and your family year round with these tips.

Summer is a time for having fun outdoors. Unfortunately, you and your family aren’t the only ones having fun outside. Bugs—and bug bites—increase dramatically in the summer months. Although most bug bites are harmless, some bugs can spread dangerous diseases. For example, mosquitos can carry malaria, West Nile Virus, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, ...

A recent study conducted by biologists who manage the Department of Defense Military Tick Identification/Infection Confirmation Kit, or MilTICK, program, found that ticks submitted to the program by service members wearing permethrin-treated uniforms were significantly less likely to have become engorged.

Tick bites are one of the first things unit commanders should check for in field locations.

Warm weather means more outdoor time and more ticks. Learn what simple steps you can take to protect yourself from ticks while you're outside and when you get home. Visit www.health.mil/bugs for more information.

This is a concise, two-page fact sheet that describes the program, provides contact information, and answers frequently asked questions, including tick-removal guidelines.

This two-page document describes common tick species and the pathogens associated with them, as well as recommendations on tick-bite prevention.

This two-page document describes the basic biology of ticks, and techniques to control tick populations and prevent tick bites at home.