Sand Fleas
Have you ever tried to enjoy the beach in the early morning or in the cooler winter months only to have your time marred by little bites from sand fleas? Sand fleas, which are not actually fleas, but crustaceans, can be aggravating.
Sand fleas are typically less than one inch long and they seem to hang out in groups and attack your feet, ankles and lower legs and the only reason they don’t bite you all over is because they can’t jump very far. You’ll know you have sand flea bites after a trip to the beach as they will show up as small red bumps on the skin.
Their bites are typically not harmful, but none-the-less those little buggers are annoying!
Can you try to Avoid Sand Fleas?
The best way to make sure your trip to the beach is not ruined by these tiny bugs is to try to go when they are not around.
Sand fleas like the beach when there is a change in temperature usually when it is cooler, so hit the beach in the middle of the day when the sun is shining brightly.
Sand fleas love to hang out by seaweed, so if you see a pile littering the beach, steer clear.
Help to Prevent Getting a Sand Flea Bite
Sand fleas can’t bite through clothing so avoid walking barefoot, maybe wear a lightweight shoe and if you seem to be a magnet think about adding socks and long pants on your walk down the beach.
Put together your own spray with essential oils, particularly using lavender and cedarwood have been said to detract sand fleas.
Add 1/ 4 cup water to a spray bottle then add the following and shake to blend. When ready to use, just give it a little shake again and spray.
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Citronella essential oil
- 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Bites and Infections
There have been cases of sand fleas burrowing into people’s feet, if this happens to you, seek medical help to have it safely removed, don’t try to remove it yourself as that will increase your chance of getting an infection.
Also take care that any bites don’t become infected. Scratching can lead to infection, so use Aloe Vera or calamine lotion to help soothe the itch.
You could also try a colloidal oatmeal bath and soak in nice warm water to ease the itch or mix one part baking soda to two or three parts water and see if that will help the itch.
Did the Sand Fleas follow you Home?
Generally sand fleas won’t follow you home, but you can unknowingly carry them home on your clothes or beach gear.
Before you get back in the car, shake out towels and get as much sand off shoes, ice boxes and chairs and your clothes.
If you have a dog that was enjoying the beach with you, get as much sand off them as you can, keep a brush in the car for them and maybe give them an outdoor bath before he comes in the house.
If you do notice they made the trip home with you and you’re seeing them in the house, vacuum floors thoroughly and throw out the vacuum bag when you are done, wash your pets bedding, mop floors, steam clean if necessary, and vacuum out the car.
There are ways to still enjoy the beach if you just take a few precautions to insure sand fleas won’t ruin your good time.
