This article is one in a series offering tips on boating skills and seamanship prepared for The Citizen by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In last week's column we talked about dangers associated with heat. In today's column we will discuss how to prevent insect-borne diseases.

During warmer months, insects capable of transmitting disease are more active. The following guidance can help to protect you against insect-borne diseases.

As is well known, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as west Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever.

The risk of these diseases can be significantly reduced by eliminating mosquito breeding areas on board your vessel and in the marina.

Drain all standing water, naturally occurring or manmade. Lake water sprays provide good mosquito breeding areas. When outdoors, especially during the early morning and late afternoon and evening hours, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Use insect repellents to reduce your risk of disease.

What about ticks? Ticks, did you say? On board a boat? You must be kidding!

No, not at all. Ticks are carried on board by pets and by people who get them, when walking or picnicking ashore. Ticks, as we know, can carry diseases such as lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.

Ticks are typically not found in well-manicured lawns which most marinas and parks maintain. They usually hide in tall grasses or brush.

It is a good idea for you and your pet to avoid these areas. If you wish to explore nature, you might consider using insect repellents to reduce your risk of disease.

Treat your pet as well with one of several tick prevention products available. Wear light colored clothing (allows you to see ticks crawling) and tuck pants into boots in areas where ticks might be present.

After returning from tick-infested areas and before boarding, check all body parts for ticks using a hand-held or full length mirror (especially the groin, armpit, behind the knees and in head hair).

I hope you don't find any, but if you do, here is what the experts suggest. To remove ticks safely, use fine-tipped tweezers (needle nose pliers will also do).

Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.

Do not twist or jerk the tick as the mouthparts could break off and remain in the skin (if that happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers). Do not squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick.

After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash hands with soap and water. Experts advise to save the tick to assist medical personnel in identification should illness occur.

For more information on rocky mountain spotted fever, lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, west nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, St. Louis encephalitis and yellow fever, see the following Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/index.htm.

By the way, I was advised that the most effective insect repellent ingredient is commonly known as deet.

Products containing 30 to 35 percent deet offer the best protection with the lowest possibility of side effects.

Rarely, some people may have adverse reactions to deet. Since very young children are more vulnerable, adults should apply cautiously deet-containing repellent to children, after first checking with the doctor.

Don't apply deet to infants less than 2 months old. Again, when in doubt, check with the doctor.

Lastly, be aware that deet can also dissolve plastics such as watch crystals and eyeglass lenses.

John E. Keshishoglou is the IP flotilla commander of the Ithaca Flotilla 22. He can be reached at (607) 273-7175