How To Get Rid Of Sand Fleas: 8 Methods You Need To Try!

Welcome to my article all about how to get rid of sand fleas!

Of all the creepy crawly things that can bite or just be unpleasant to deal with, sand fleas can be particularly bad.

Sand fleas are found in coastal areas, and, contrary to their name, they don’t stay confined to the sand.

These small parasitic crustaceans may invade the home where they can feed on humans leaving behind painful bites and producing various health risks.

They can cause skin conditions and potentially fatal infections.

Because sand fleas are dangerous, you will want to do all you can to keep them out of your home.

This article will address methods for identification, extermination, and prevention of sand fleas so you can keep yourself and your family safe.

Let’s dive right in!

How To Identify Sand Fleas

Sand fleas are very small and difficult to see making them hard to identify.

You may notice them jumping on your body.

They will usually jump on legs and feet as these are close to the ground.

And while you may not notice sand fleas, you will notice their bites.

They leave behind round, red spots that burn and itch.

They may also form a black head or pustule which may be a sign that the flea has laid an egg under the skin.

You may also notice the fleas’ larvae and pupae which are hairy nests that resemble caterpillar legs.

If you notice sand flea bites on your body, try not to scratch them as this may spread the eggs or infection under the skin.

Instead, treat them with a topical anti-itch medication.

It’s likely the bite will go away within a week or two without causing any medical issues.

If the bite does not improve and gets more swollen and painful, see a doctor.

How to Get Rid of Sand Fleas: 8 Methods

If you notice sand fleas in your home, your first order of business will be to get rid of them.

There are several ways you can do this. Here are a few suggestions:

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural powder made from the fossilized shell-like remains of diatoms.

The sharp shells of these aquatic, single-celled organisms cut into the bodies of insects that encounter the material causing them to die.

It can be found in most hardware stores and applied to decks, walkways, driveways, sand, and soil.

Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are worm-like organisms that live in soil.

They are not visible to the human eye.

They feed on insects eating out their tissue and leaving them to die and will be effective in killing sand fleas.

They can be sprayed on your lawn to rid your yard of the pests, so they don’t enter your home.

Pesticides

You can rid your home of sand fleas by spraying pesticides in areas they may be infesting such as floors, furniture, and carpeting.

It’s best to use organic pesticides in the home as these should not contain toxic chemicals that can harm you or your family.

Vacuum

A good vacuuming may help to get rid of sand fleas.

Use a brush head attachment as this will help suck up sand fleas stuck down in the carpet fibers.

Dispose of the vacuum bag when you are done.

Vacuum every day until you are no longer noticing signs of sand fleas.

View Vacuum on Amazon Here!

Wash Clothing and Bedding

It’s advisable to wash all clothing and towels after a trip to a beach or another sandy area.

Sand fleas can get into clothing items and begin spreading throughout the home.

If you notice an infestation, it’s best to wash all clothing and bedding items in the area to get rid of the pests.

Inspect Your Shoes

You may also bring sand fleas into your home on your shoes.

Look at your pant legs and the tops and bottoms of your shoes before entering the home upon returning from sandy areas.

You may even want to inspect them with a magnifying glass.

In any event, it’s best to clean off your shoes before bringing them into your home, whether you see signs of the bugs or not.

Keep Sand Fleas Off Pets

Sand fleas may land on your pet’s fur and get into your home.

You can tell if your pet has sand fleas by inspecting their fur and looking for pests and bites.

If your pet is scratching or licking, this is another sign of a possible infestation.

If you suspect your pet has sand fleas, here are some things to do:

• Shampoo their fur, and follow up with an anti-flea medication.
• Use an antihistamine cream to reduce itching.
• Vacuum or steam clean their bedding and toys.
• Consider treating the areas of the home they stay in with an organic pesticide or diatomaceous earth.

Always consult a vet if you’re unsure or have any concerns about your pet’s health.

Change the Environment in Your Home

Sand fleas are attracted to hot, humid areas.

If you are experiencing an infestation, it may be beneficial to turn down your thermostat and run a dehumidifier in your home.

How to Prevent Sand Fleas

Being able to eradicate sand fleas is great, but it’s always better to deter them from infesting to begin with.

There are a few things you can do to prevent sand fleas including the following:

• Wearing a bug-based insect repellent: These will usually keep the bugs from biting you.
• Avoid Seaweed Build-up: Sand fleas tend to feed on seaweed so it’s best to avoid areas with seaweed build-up when you are out on the beach.
• Be careful when walking your pet: Sand fleas are especially attracted to pet fur. You can save your pet and your home from fleas by avoiding late night and early morning walks. These are the times when the fleas are most active. Walking on the sidewalk will also minimize contact.
• Seal cracks and crevices: Sand fleas may get into your home through cracks and crevices at ground level. Seal up these areas to keep them out of your home.
• Wear clothing at the beach: This may not be ideal, but if you are committed to avoiding sand fleas, protect your skin with clothing, even when you are at the beach.

How To Get Rid of Sand Fleas: Conclusion

Sand fleas are not pleasant to deal with.

But with the right strategies, most infestations will clear up on their own in a few weeks.

I hope this article has helped you keep your home, family and pets sand flea free!

If you enjoyed this article, here are a few more you may also like to read:

How To Clean Frosted Glass
How To Permanently Get Rid of Weeds in Driveway