ADVICE

Dear readers: During the summer, you need to check your pets closely for ticks and fleas. They are active at this time. Talk with your vet about how to keep your pets safe from these pests. Here’s what else you can do:

• Fleas can lay a huge number of eggs, which also can cause an awful infestation in your carpets and home, along with attacking your pets. First, get your dog or cat bathed. Watch your pets closely so they will get the proper treatment. Vacuum daily to help control the spread.

• Ticks should be removed carefully as soon as you see them. And have a vet treat your dog right away. In your house, ticks can live in upholstered furniture, curtains or under rugs. Examine these areas often and vacuum well. — Heloise

Dear readers: With all of the outdoor gatherings we have during this time, it’s essential that you are aware of food safety in the heat. Never let food sit outside in 85 degree heat or higher for more than one hour. Foods can spoil quickly and turn bad, causing food poisoning.

And when you prep picnic food, be sure preparation surfaces, utensils and hands are clean. Never thaw food on the counter. Marinate food in the fridge. Never let raw poultry, fish juices or meat come in contact with other food, which could cause contamination. Put out clean serving platters, plates and utensils for cooked food. — Heloise

Dear readers: Bacteria can accumulate on wooden or plastic cutting boards. After using, you should always wash and sanitize the board to remove bacteria.

Here’s how to properly clean a cutting board:

1. First, wash the board in hot, soapy water.

2. Then soak it for about two minutes in a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach and 1 gallon of water.

3. Rinse and dry with a paper towel or air dry. — Heloise Dear readers: The word “punch” came from the Hindi word “panch,” meaning five original ingredients of lime, sugar, water, spices and an alcoholic sap. Fun for a punch bowl:

Fill trays with twists of lime, lemon or cucumbers. Freeze grapes to float in the punch. Add cherries, strawberries or sprigs of mint to the bowl. — Heloise