What is a Sand Flea, Exactly?

There’s nothing worse than being attacked by a pest during a relaxing day at the beach. Sand fleas are sure to annoy you, and you will want to avoid them while having fun in the sun. Many people confuse these little pests with traditional cat fleas or other varieties, but they’re not even insects. So, what is a sand flea?

Sand fleas are actually crustaceans like the crab, so they live along the water’s edge and bury themselves in the sand for protection.

You don’t have to live along the Jersey Shore to still have an issue with sand fleas. If you have a swimming pool where you use sand for the base or have a sandbox for your kids, sand fleas can invade. Any large pile of sand that you have on your property can be infested with sand fleas, and it is sure to cause trouble for you, your kids, and your pets that play in it.

In North America, there are two types of sand flea species and they bite and sting. Sand flea bites will cause an itchy red bump, but don’t worry, it is not typically harmful. Also, sand fleas don’t carry or spread diseases so they’re more annoying than anything.

The Lifecycle of Sand Fleas

If you’re wondering what is a sand flea, their lifecycle can help you understand them more and can help you be prepared. This type of crustacean will only grow a little over an inch in length. This is larger than traditional fleas. Sand fleas also go through metamorphosis which is where the sand flea starts off as an egg and progresses through several stages until reaching adulthood.

Female sand fleas will bury their tiny eggs in the sand close to the water’s edge. Even though they are all along the beaches and riverfronts, they’re hardly visible to the naked eye. Once the eggs hatch, nymphs emerge and look very similar to full-sized adults except they don’t have any wings at this stage. The nymphs will continue to grow and molt by shedding their exoskeletons as they go through this process.

As the sand flea reaches adulthood, it is now able to jump because its hind legs are fully developed. They can go anywhere from ¼ – ½ of an inch in the sand. This super ability to jump significant lengths enables sand fleas to stay safe from predators. Sand fleas are known to be a quick meal for snakes, lizards, or toads, but oddly enough some people eat them. What is a sand flea if not a yummy treat to some!

It may seem odd, but since sand fleas are crustaceans, some people say they taste just like crabs when seasoned and cooked correctly. Though, the thought of eating a flea seems nauseating to most individuals.

Preferred Habitats

What is a sand flea and where do they live? Their habitat is important information when learning more about them. Sand flea’s prime place to call home is in coastal ocean areas that have beaches, sand dunes, and tidal pools. These tiny sand fleas love soaking up the warm weather and sandy spots where they can quickly burrow to hide from predators. This makes sand flea infestations most popular on beaches in tropical and subtropical regions.

Sand fleas are most active during the daylight hours and prefer to hide in the sand at night because that’s when they’re at a higher risk. The higher temperatures and increased beach activities give them optimal conditions to grow and reproduce. You’ll likely be harassed by sand fleas during the warmer months in the summer and if you’ve ever come back from the beach with mysterious itchy bites, you might be asking yourself: what is a sand flea?

Eliminating Sand Fleas

Learning what is a sand flea is the first step to understanding how to avoid them becoming a problem in your home. Sand fleas become extra challenging to get rid of if you get sand fleas in your yard. They have excellent digging abilities and will burrow in the ground to quickly hide from you. Another significant issue is that they reproduce rapidly and can lay hundreds of eggs in one cycle. Though the female doesn’t live long, her ability to contribute to the population is not questioned.

One good thing about the sand fleas is that they often infest for only a season and tend to migrate along with the seasons. This may seem like good news in one way, but it can also mean it can be difficult to eliminate them without access to their breeding grounds. Luckily, there are some ways you can decrease the risk of a sand flea encounter

• Wear Longer Clothing

Putting a physical barrier between you and the fleas is advisable. If you can wear pants and socks, you reduce the chances of being bitten.

• Maintain Sandy Areas

While you have little control at the beach, any sand near your home should be raked and smoothed regularly. The simple process of moving the sand disrupts the fleas’ habits and exposes them to the elements. These actions will reduce their population and stop you from having to learn answers the hard way about what is a sand flea.

• Use Formulated Insecticides

You can’t use the same products for these pests that you would use to eradicate the cat flea, so you must use something that’s formulated for this specific variety. Spraying these insecticides on sandy areas can help control populations.

• Make Modifications Environmentally

Creating barriers around the sand will discourage them from burrowing in those areas. Sand fences or the use of vegetation can be advantageous.

• Using Natural Predators

Natural predators can help to reduce the population, such as small fish or shorebirds. While the average homeowner can’t use these methods, they can certainly be employed by those overseeing public and private beaches to help reduce incidents.

What Is a Sand Flea? Call a Professional for Answers!

Finally, if you are curious to know more about what is a sand flea, just head to the beach. They are a persistent nuisance for those who live in coastal areas. The good news is they won’t infest your home. Understanding their preferred habits, behaviors, and ways to control them makes it easier to spend time outdoors.

If you have any issues with sand fleas in your yard, making environmental modifications might not be enough. Call Kapture Pest Control for help with such an issue, so you can enjoy your backyard without unwelcome interruptions.

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