Sand Fleas?

[katiepe]

I have been reading some threads that have mentioned getting badly bitten by sand fleas or whatever on the beaches in Costa Maya.

Has anyone experienced this or is it only certain times of the year or only a certain beach?

[arkansasrebel]

We were down there in December and didn't experience any sand fleas. When I was in the Bahamas most of my bites came during the early morning and evening hours. However, some insect repellant would be a wise precaution.

[LaurieCM]

I have been in Costa Maya in January and never had trouble with fleas- maybe it is a seasonal thing???? My mother-in-law got bitten on St. John when we were there in August.

[crewsweeper]

I haven't heard of sand fleas (actually, they are sand FLIES) in C.M. On Roatan they are a nuissance in shady areas. As previous poster said, insect repellent keeps them away.

[ksjserv]

Sand fleas....yes in Roatan a few years ago when we were there. Friends who went on the beach got bitten.....get yourself some Off with Deet and they won't bother you.

[bestofXs]

What are sand fleas?

 

The sand flea, also called the "no-see-um" or the "hop-along", is an annoying flea-like creature who packs a mean bite. Its bite is actually a sting and they group by the hundred, typically causing a lot of bites when they attack.

The European species is only one tenth of an inch long and resembles a small mosquito, whereas the long-horned sand flea, commonly found on the American east coast, has antennae up to one inch longer than its white waxy body. Sand fleas feed in the wee morning hours and late dusk. Since the larva of the sand flea eats tiny aquatic animals, you will typically run into this insect when you are at the beach. The sand flea resembles an insect but is actually a crustacean and lays its eggs in rotting seaweed, on which it feeds, when not preying upon pasty white beach goers. Paler skin is thinner and therefore, easier for the flea to penetrate.

These sand fleas live in the sand and will attack anything within ten inches of the ground. That is why the beach goer will find a cluster of bites around his or her ankles if they've been out seashell hunting. That is, only when the weather in warm. In the winter they move with the ocean towards warmer waters.

Their swarms will produce a high pitched whine so if you are on the beach ad hear something similar, beware. Their stings can cause welts and lesions lasting hours on end, along with pain and itching. The sand flea is not a pleasant animal but can be avoided with the use of an everyday insect repellant which contains Deet.

[animallovers2]

we were there dec.20th. had no problem

[thescot123]

Was just there in Dec 18th and didn't get bit. Have done this route over 6 times before and the only place that I have ever been bit is in Roatan.

[weltek]

I always pack insect repellent, but haven't had to use it yet. It can be found in non-aerosol travel sized bottles near the camping equipment at most big box stores.

[mitsugirly]

Last year in September, we were ate alive.

 

This year in December (just returned 2 weeks ago) absolutely nothing.

 

I think it depends on the time of year, the weather, rain...and so on.

 

I at least go prepared with it in case it's needed. Thank goodness this time it was not needed.

:)