Sand fleas are common pests that thrive in warm and wet areas such as beaches and wetlands. They are most active at dawn and early evening, and at night. Some other names for this pest are sand bug, sand fly, no-see-um and punky.
What Is a Sand Flea
The sand flea is less than 3 mm long, which makes it very hard to see. In shape it is somewhat like a small shrimp. What make this bug distinctive are its long legs that are used for jumping and swimming.
Sand Flea Bites
The sand flea can jump as high as 40 cm. Like mosquitoes, they bite to feed on blood. Most people experience bites around the ankle or foot, but if you are lying on the beach, you might experience bites to parts of your upper body.
Health Issues Surrounding Sand Flea Bites
Even though the initial bite may be small, it makes a large welt that may itch for several days. You may develop scars if you scratch the bite, and in rare cases a severe fever.
Treatment of Sand Flea Bites
Over-the-counter preparations appropriate for mosquito bites may provide some relief. You want to irritate the bite as little as possible and try to avoid scratching it. In the event that a fever or other more severe issues and symptoms arise, it is best to seek the advice and treatment of your physician.
Preventing Sand Flea Bites
Avoiding the places sand fleas live is the best preventative. If you love the beach and wetland areas, however, you can reduce your susceptibility by avoiding those locations in the morning and evening, when the bugs are most active.
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