Here in Florida, we have palmetto bugs, mosquitos, lovebugs, and so many other horrible critters to be afraid of! Might as well just add sand fleas to this list because they are in full swing on our local beaches!
Here's how to avoid having your legs look those in the picture above and what to do if you do happen to get bit!
To avoid getting bit:
- Don’t visit the beach when it has been raining. Sand fleas are more aggressive when the air is cool and moist.
- Stay away from the beach after dark for this same reason!
- Remember to pack and reapply insect repellant.
- Cover yourself up when sitting or lying down to avoid getting bitten on your back, legs and feet.
To treat sand flea bites:
- Check the bites for breeding sand fleas. They can live under your skin and suck your blood for weeks.
- Don’t scratch the bites. It increases the chance of getting infections in the wound.
- Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on the bites to control the itching
- Take some painkillers to reduce the pain and swelling.
- Make a mixture of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas.
- Make yourself an oatmeal bath and soak in it to reduce the itching.
- Use Aloe Vera to create a soothing effect on the bites.
- Try Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and cedar wood.
- Remember to see a doctor if this doesn’t help or if the symptoms get worse.
I mean, I guess the good news is the picture shown above is a tourist visiting from Connecticut. Mosquitos and other insects tend to like her Northern blood over us Floridians with bitter blood.