Sand Flea Season In Belize

Sand fleas in Belize are most active at night, when they emerge to look for food. During the day, they stay buried in the sand. They are more common in less populated areas, such as beaches that are not frequently raked or used. They are also more prevalent during the rainy season, which lasts from June to November. To avoid sand flea bites, it is recommended to use insect repellent and wear closed-toed shoes and socks.

Sand fleas are most active at night

Sand fleas are tiny creatures that live in the sand on beaches, particularly near the high-tide mark. They are not actually fleas, but crustaceans, and are related to crabs and lobsters. They are usually between a quarter of an inch and an inch in length, and can be grey, brown, or greenish in colour. They have several pairs of legs and long, thick antennae, as well as two forked appendages that protrude from their backs.

Sand fleas are found all over the world, including on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. They are particularly prevalent in tropical climates, such as Central America, South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the West Indies.

In Belize, sand fleas are common on beaches, especially in less-travelled areas where they lay their eggs. They are less common in heavily populated areas and in beaches that are frequently raked or heavily used.

To protect yourself from sand fleas, it is recommended to use an insect repellent on exposed skin and to wear closed-toed shoes and socks. Creating a physical barrier with an oily substance, such as baby oil or coconut oil, can also be effective.

They breed in wet, sandy areas

Sand fleas breed in wet, sandy areas, and they are most active at night when they emerge to forage for food. During the day, they stay buried in the sand. They are found on sandy beaches near the high-tide mark. They are also found under rocks or debris.

Sand fleas are very small crustaceans, usually about a quarter of an inch to an inch in length. They are typically gray, brown, or greenish, with several pairs of legs and long, thick antennae. They have two forked appendages that protrude from the backs of their bodies.

Sand fleas are commonly known as beach fleas, sand hoppers, or beach hoppers. Despite their name, they are not actually fleas or insects. They are in the same family as crabs and lobsters and are called "fleas" because they hop and jump.

Sand fleas do not bite humans, but they can be a nuisance to beachgoers. They are most active at night, which is usually not when most people visit the beach. They are also less prevalent in heavily populated areas. Raking the beach daily can help keep their numbers down by exposing their eggs to the sun.

To prevent sand flea bites, it is recommended to use insect repellents, wear closed-toed shoes and socks, and wash your feet thoroughly after going barefoot.

Sand fleas are not deterred by DEET

Sand fleas are a common problem in Belize, especially for tourists with pale skin. While mosquitoes are deterred by DEET, sand fleas are not.

DEET is an oil-based repellent that works by confusing the insects' senses, rather than killing them. It is safe for human skin and can be applied all over the body to deter mosquitoes and other insects. However, sand fleas are not deterred by DEET. This is likely because they are not actually insects but crustaceans, more closely related to crabs and lobsters. They are often mistaken for fleas due to their similar size and ability to jump.

If you are travelling to Belize, it is recommended that you take a product containing DEET to deter mosquitoes. However, this will not be effective against sand fleas. To avoid sand flea bites, it is best to avoid the beach at dawn and dusk when they are most active. You can also lay a towel or blanket on the sand to avoid direct contact with the fleas.

If you are bitten by sand fleas, the bites will appear as small red bumps on the skin, which can be itchy and irritating. These usually go away within a few days but can be treated with antihistamines, anti-itch creams, or oral painkillers.

They are common on beaches that are less travelled

Sand fleas are a common occurrence in Belize, particularly in beach areas. While they can be a nuisance, there are ways to manage and prevent their bites.

Sand fleas are known to be active in beach areas that are less travelled and populated. In Belize, this includes destinations such as Ambergris Caye and Hopkins. The good news is that sand fleas tend to be less of a problem in areas with a strong breeze, as they are tiny and cannot handle windy conditions. Therefore, beaches with a constant breeze may have fewer sand fleas.

To prevent sand flea bites, it is recommended to take precautions such as using insect repellent specifically designed for sand fleas, as regular mosquito repellents like DEET are not effective against them. Additionally, wearing closed-toe shoes and socks can provide a physical barrier against bites, especially when walking on the beach. It is also important to wash your feet thoroughly after going barefoot to remove any sand or fleas that may be present.

If you do get bitten by sand fleas, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms. These include antihistamines, skin creams like calamine lotion, and topical or oral corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation. For more severe cases or open wounds, antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infection.

It is worth noting that some people may not react to sand flea bites at all, experiencing only mild itching or no symptoms at all. However, for those who are susceptible, taking the necessary precautions can help minimise the risk of bites when visiting less travelled beaches in Belize.

Sand fleas are tiny crustaceans

Sand fleas are very small, usually anywhere from a quarter of an inch up to an inch in length. They can vary in colour, but are often grey, brown, or greenish. They have several pairs of legs and long, thick antennae. Sand fleas have two forked appendages that protrude from the backs of their bodies. They are most active at night, when they emerge to find food, and during the day, they stay buried in the sand. They are found on sandy beaches near the high-tide mark, and can also be found under rocks or debris.

Sand fleas do not bite humans, but they can be confused with sand flies and jiggers, which do bite. Sand flies are true flies, and jiggers, or chigoe fleas, are the smallest known fleas. These fleas can bore holes into human skin, causing a parasitic infection called tungiasis, or sand flea disease, which can lead to severe inflammation and skin lesions. Chigoe fleas are typically found in tropical climates such as Central America, South America, Africa, the Caribbean and the West Indies. They are also found in some parts of the US, including Florida and Texas.

To prevent sand flea bites, it is recommended to use insect repellents, wear closed-toed shoes and socks, and wash your feet after going barefoot. Sand fleas are most active during the dry seasons of August and September. They are less common during the wet and rainy seasons.

Frequently asked questions