Beach Bugs: Don’t Let Them Bug You On Your Next Vacation
A day at the beach should be a carefree experience, but beach bugs can quickly dampen the mood. From biting insects to annoying pests, these pests can absolutely ruin a seaside weekend. Keep reading this guide to learn more about beach bugs and learn some useful tips on how to avoid them and their bug bites.
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Common Beach Bugs
Before taking a dip into how to avoid bugs and their bites at your local sandy spot, let’s take a look at the most common beach bugs. The obvious annoyances like mosquitoes and sand flies stand out, but there might be some other bugs ready to bite that you don’t even know about.
Sand fleas
Common sand fleas are tiny crustaceans that resemble insects. They have flat, transparent or semi-clear bodies, and jump across the sand looking for organic matter to eat. Other common names include mole crabs, beach fleas, beach hoppers, and sand hoppers. These aren’t biting bugs, but a sand flea circus hopping about can ruin a beach day for some folks.
There is a type of sand flea found on beaches that can be a concern, however. Chigoe fleas do bite humans (particularly feet and ankles), and the female chigoe sand flea bites and then burrows into the human’s skin to lay eggs, which hatch around two weeks later. These sand flea bites can also irritate folks for up to a few weeks, depending on their sensitivity to these pests.
Bed bugs
Small, flat insects about the size of an apple seed (they’re often mistaken for them). These pests don’t hang out on beaches by themselves, but bed bugs can catch a ride on almost any surface—especially fabrics. People can bring them on their towels or bags, so crowded beaches are pretty much bus stops for these bloodsuckers. And, if there’s a hotel stay in the beach vacation itinerary, there’s a good chance bed bugs may be present as well—it’s actually your best chance of running into an infestation.
These bug bites can be extremely itchy and lead to infections from scratching. However, the potentially worst aspect of bed bugs is bringing them to your house, leading to an infestation. Luckily, we have a guide on how to handle bed bugs with the best steamers, as well.
Beach wolf spiders
Beach spiders (or beach wolf spiders) are medium-sized spiders with sand–colored bodies and long legs. They’re not poisonous, but they can bite humans (and their bites hurt!). It’s possible to have a reaction to their venom, but it’s important to know that they aren’t poisonous. They mostly feed on small insects and tiny crustaceans like sand fleas.
Dock spiders
Also known as fishing spiders or raft spiders, dock spiders are large and have hairy bodies and long, powerful legs. They’re commonly found near bodies of fresh standing water, such as on docks in aquatic environments and marshes. They’re certainly scary-looking, but dock spiders are generally harmless to humans and feed on insects, sand fleas, small fish, and tadpoles.
Kelp flies
Kelp flies, also called seaweed flies, are small insects commonly found in coastal areas where kelp and other seaweeds thrive. They have a dark brown or black coloration, and their bodies are adapted to withstand exposure to saltwater and seaweed environments. They are often seen hovering around seaweed piles, feeding on decaying organic matter.
Mosquitoes
The same mosquitoes that buzz past your ears in the backyard can bother you on the beach. These small, flying, biting insects lay eggs in stagnant water and vegetation like surf grass. Their bites are painful, cause itchy welts, and can transmit diseases. That’s why many folks consider mosquito fogging at home, but at least bring bug spray to the beach.
Roly polies
Roly polies, also called isopods or pill bugs, are actually quite common in beachy environments. These little bugs burrow into sand around the high-tide line, as the sand there is moist enough for survival. Luckily, they’re quite harmless so digging them up while building a sand castle isn’t the end of the world.
Rove beetles
Rove beetles might look similar to ants, with slender, segmented bodies, but don’t let them fool you, they’re actually beetles—and they love the beach. They feed on organisms in the water and sand, but they’re harmless to humans.
Sand flies
Sand flies go by many names, including no-see-ums, biting midges, biting gnats, and punkies. They’re very small and resemble mosquitoes, though they are small and more humpbacked. They lay eggs in standing water, making them a nuisance among freshwater beaches with ample sources of puddles and trapped water. Their bites are painful and they can transmit diseases and cause secondary infections.
Blood worms
You might see blood worms on more than just a fisherman’s hook during your day in the sun. These beneficial bugs can range from under an inch to over 1 foot long, but the beach is full of small ones that eat the organic material in the sand and deposit it. These red worms might be a concerning site at first, but they’re not dangerous.
How To Avoid Bugs At Your Favorite Beaches
Selecting the Right Beach and the Right Time
One way to reduce the risk of encountering beach bugs is to choose the right beaches and times to visit. Opt for well-maintained, sandy beaches that have regular pest control measures in place. Also, consider visiting during less bug-prone times, such as early morning or late afternoon when insect activity tends to be lower.
Dressing Smartly for the Beach
Wearing the right clothing can act as a barrier against beach bugs. Choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that covers your body as much as possible while also remaining cool. Long sleeves, pants, and socks can protect your skin from bites, especially from mosquitoes, sandflies, and gnats. Consider using clothing treated with insect repellents for added protection.
When it’s not possible to keep covered on the beach consider the….
Effective Use of Insect Repellents
And insect repellent bug spray can be a big help with warding off beach bugs. Look for repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which are effective against a wide range of pests (including those combing the beaches looking for a human to bite like chigoe sand fleas). Apply the bug spray on exposed skin. You might even need to reapply after a dip in the ocean to keep those bug bites from ruining the beach day.
Keep the Area Clean
Maintaining a clean area can help discourage sand fleas, roly polies, and other critters looking for decaying organic matter. Throw food waste away to avoid attracting flies, ants, and other scavengers looking for a quick meal. Avoid leaving uncovered food or sweet-smelling items out in the open, as they can lure insects away from other beach-goers and over to you. Also, use a beach mat or towel to create a physical barrier between you and the sand (it’s still tough to keep beach hoppers at bay).
Choosing a Beach Shelter Wisely
If you plan on setting up a beach shelter or canopy, watch where you set it up. It’s a good idea to avoid areas with surf grass, stagnant or standing water anywhere, or tall grasses. These spots can be a haven for mosquitoes and other bugs. Instead, choose an open, breezy spot to rest and regularly check your shelter for any cracks or openings that pests could use as entry points.
Seeking Natural Remedies
For those who prefer natural alternatives, several plant-based solutions may help repel beach bugs. Citronella candles, essential oils (such as lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint), and herbal bug sprays can provide some protection.
