Avoid Sand Fleas This Summer

Not to bust your summer fun or time on the beach but... our number one bug for the summer is the sand flea. Otherwise known of as a sand hopper, these tiny little creatures are actually crustaceans. Due to their ability to inflict irritating bites, the name "sand flea" is often used to describe a wide variety of insects like midges, biting gnats, flies and your typical flea. With each of these insects, the aftereffects of their bites are similar leaving itchy, red welts that can, well... make for a memorable vacation.

Sand fleas can easily be found on beaches along Atlantic coastal areas and marshes, but can also be found in the desert as well. Before you get too worried relax because truth is sand fleas will never really come home with you from vacation. Unlike bed bugs, they prefer their ocean view habitat. Now, before you get too relaxed know that the female sand flea has the ability to burrow under your skin to lay her eggs

How ToAvoid Sand Fleas

• Sand fleas typically feed in the early morning and late afternoon so, avoid the beach during those times. I know, right?
• Avoid placing your towel (or blanket) right on the sand. Make use of folding beach chairs and lounges instead. (Ladies, here is a great selling point for the hubby for renting one.)
• I would say wear close-toed shoes but, then why walk the beach to begin? Sand fleas can't jump that high so... your call.
• Spray on some insect repellent if you do end up getting bit - it is the most effective prevention.
• Avoid areas with seaweed since this is where they can usually be found feeding.

What To Do When Bitten

According to the National Institute of Health, if bitten by sand fleas avoid scratching. While extremely rare for the female to deposit her eggs in your skin, look after bites and if you find a black center to one consult your physician immediately.

Getting Rid of Fleas

Fleas

Never Routine

Your dog or cat may be your best friend and considered a member of your family, but on occassion they can invite fleas in to your area rugs, carpeting, furniture, and flooring unintentionally causing a big household problem. Through no fault of their own, your pet may not be the only one getting bitten!

If discovered that your pet has fleas, stay calm and take it all one step at a time. The first thing you should do is consult your veterinarian and get your pet treated. The second thing you'll need to do is to clean your home on the inside. The third step in getting rid of fleas is to call a professional like Gladhill Services. This is due to the complex life cycle fleas go through. The final step in eliminating fleas is to clean up the outside of your home. 

An infestation of fleas can be very difficult to eliminate due to fleas having a complex life cycle. There are four stages to a flea's life; the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages together make up what is known as a complete metamorphosis  The fleas life cycle can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months, depending on the immediate environmentent to complete. This makes control methods difficult at times for most people. Some retail products marketed for flea control may only be formulated for one or two life cycles. It's often best to call a professional like Gladhill Services in order to rid your home of fleas once your pet is treated. 

Since pets go in and out of the house all the time it's almost impossible to treat fleas without treating both the inside and outside of your home. A treatment on the lawn will also need to be in order sometimes. Dense foliage from landscape plants may be in need of a treatment too since fleas can thrive in areas of dense high growth or groundcover.