Sand fleas are small black insects that bite and cause itchiness. They’re a common problem in warm weather, and they thrive in yards that have sand or mulch.
Sand flea bites can be very itchy and annoying and hard to get rid of! In this article, we’ll explore how to get rid of sand fleas once and for all, so you can enjoy your yard without worrying about these pesky critters.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| It’s important to take measures to control or eliminate sand fleas to avoid health complications. |
| Sand fleas are commonly found in sandy areas like beaches, dunes, and deserts. |
| Sand flea bites can cause skin irritation and transmit diseases, so prevention is key. |
| To prevent sand flea bites, wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and avoid walking barefoot on sandy areas. |
| If you get bitten by a sand flea, clean the bite area, apply a cold compress, and use anti-itch cream to relieve itchiness. |
| Regular cleaning and pest control measures can help get rid of sand fleas in your home. |
Set Up a Sand Flea Trap
If you have a sand flea infestation, there is one surefire way to get rid of them. You can set up a light trap with the aid of a light bulb, or a candle.
First, place your light source inside of any glass jar or container with holes in the top so that when you turn it on, the sand fleas will be attracted to it and fly towards it.
They will then burn themselves on the hot metal if they are able to get close enough to reach it. This method has proven successful because it allows you to kill them without having any contact with them yourself while also being cost effective (you can use items around your home).
Don’t let pesky mosquitoes ruin your outdoor time. Our easy guide on getting rid of mosquitoes will provide some helpful tips and tricks to keep these bloodsuckers at bay
Boil Water and Pour it on Them
The first thing you’ll need to do is make a pot of boiling water. That’s right boil some water and pour it on the fleas. They’ll scurry away when they feel the heat, but only temporarily.
A few minutes later, they’ll head back toward where they were before being plastered with boiling hot water.
Once your flea problem has been addressed by this method which takes about 20 minutes or so of pouring to get rid of every last sand flea it’s time to move on to another step:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Boiling Water | One effective way to kill sand fleas is to pour boiling water over them. |
| Pour | Pour the boiling water over the sandy area where the sand fleas are present. |
| Quantity | Use enough boiling water to cover the affected area. |
| Effectiveness | Boiling water treatment is highly effective, and it kills the sand fleas instantly by scalding them. |
| Precaution | The boiling water should be handled carefully to avoid burns, and the treatment should be done in a controlled manner to avoid damage to plants or other creatures. |
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth in Hiding Spots
The next step is to apply a light dusting of diatomaceous earth to the areas where you think the fleas are hiding. When they come in contact with this, they will dry out and die.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural insect killer that hardens their exoskeletons so that they cannot breathe.
It’s made from fossilized microscopic algae found at the bottom of lakes and oceans and therefore safe for humans and pets, as long as it’s used properly (more on how to do so below).
You can also find it in your local hardware store or garden center under various names such as D-Dust or Diatomite Powder if you don’t have any laying around your house already!
Clean Out the Garbage Can
When you clean your garbage can, make sure to take out all of the liners and clean them thoroughly. While you’re at it, use a disinfectant spray or wipe to remove any potential sand flea eggs and larvae that might be hiding in there.
Make sure to clean out the garbage can at least once every month or two (depending on how often you use it) and replace the liners if they become damaged or torn.
Fleas are a nuisance and can quickly take over your home. Fortunately, our guide on getting rid of fleas in the house provides easy tips and solutions to eliminate these unwanted guests
Cover Your Pipes
You can also cover your pipes with a fine mesh screen. You’ll need to use a hose with a nozzle to spray the pipe, then fasten the screen over it with some rubber bands. This will help prevent sand fleas from entering your home.
Treat Your Pet for Sand Fleas.
If you have a pet, it’s important to treat it for sand fleas. Flea treatments are available at pet stores and include flea shampoos, flea collars and flea dips.
- When using a treatment, watch your pet carefully it may scratch itself or rub its face against your furniture while the chemicals are drying.
- Flea treatments kill fleas on contact, but they don’t kill eggs—you must use a second treatment 2 weeks later to kill any newly hatched fleas before they can bite your dog or cat again.
Replace Sand in Sandboxes and Playgrounds Regularly
There are a few different ways to rid your home of sand fleas. The first step is to replace the sand in your sandbox or playground with fresh sand every 6 months.
This will help prevent any new eggs from being laid, but it also gives you time to clean out old eggs that have been buried by the previous layers of sand.
Another way you can remove this infestation from your home is by using pesticides, but this method is generally not recommended because it can cause more harm than good for both humans and animals alike.
The chemicals used in pesticides are often harmful for pets who come into contact with them, so if you want to be careful about what products are used around your furry friends then try this method instead!
Ants are important for our ecosystem, but too many can cause damage to your garden or home. Learn how to manage ants in your garden while still maintaining a balance between pest control and biodiversity with our helpful guide
Remove Stagnant Water from Your Yard
To remove stagnant water from your yard, you need to make sure that there is no standing water. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for sand fleas and other insects, so make sure that any leaves and debris are removed from gutters and downspouts.
If possible, it’s best if you use a leaf blower to clear out the leaves rather than raking them up. This will ensure that all of these areas are free of debris before winter sets in and it becomes more difficult to clean them out later on.
If there is any standing water on your property (such as puddles), treat them with an insecticide like Malathion or Diazinon (follow label directions).
You can also use borax salt sprinkled around the edge of a pool to help keep out critters such as sand fleas until they dry out completely (not recommended for swimming pools).
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Birdbaths and Fountains | Change the water in birdbaths or fountains at least once a week. |
| Pool Covers | Keep pool covers clean and remove any standing water on them to prevent mosquito breeding. |
| Flowerpots and Saucers | Don’t leave standing water in flowerpots or saucers. |
| Rain Gutters | Keep rain gutters clean and free of debris to allow for proper water flow. |
| Water Features | Maintain proper water balance and clean out filters in garden ponds or other water features. |
Use Fire to Get Rid of Sand Fleas
Sand flea control can be achieved by using a propane torch to kill the sand fleas. The torch should be used in a well ventilated area and should not be aimed at any person or pet (unless you want to get rid of them too).
To use your propane torch, simply hold it about 3 feet from where you suspect there are sand flea eggs.
The eggs will burst into flames and die within minutes of being exposed to the hot flame. This method is effective because the heat from the flame kills both adult sand fleas and their eggs, preventing any future generations from maturing or becoming an issue again.
Not all ants are pests! In fact, some play a vital role in our ecosystem. Learn more about the role of ants in the ecosystem and how you can distinguish between pest and non-pest ants.
Apply Anti-Itch Cream to Affected Areas
If you’ve been bitten by sand fleas, you may experience itching and swelling on the affected area. To help ease the discomfort, apply an anti-itch cream like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the area for a few days.
If your skin is dry, use a moisturizing lotion instead. Keep in mind that although these products will stop itching temporarily, they won’t remove any parasites from your body.
Treat Your Yard with Chemicals
- If you are applying chemicals to your yard, make sure to read the label first and follow all instructions carefully.
- While most pesticides will kill fleas on contact, it may take several days for them to be completely eradicated from your lawn and backyard area after treatment.
- Pesticides can be hazardous if not handled properly; always wear protective gear when handling or applying chemicals in your yard and wash hands thoroughly after using them!
Spread Insecticides on the Ground Around Your Home
- Spray the insecticides in the evening, and then again in the morning.
- Spray the insecticides in the morning, and then again in the evening.
- Spray for sand fleas on two different days—one day for each step of this process.
Spray Essential Oils Like Citronella
Citronella oil, derived from the lemongrass plant, is a natural insect repellent and can be used to repel sand fleas and other biting insects.
You can apply citronella oil directly to your skin or clothing by diluting it in water and then spraying the mixture on yourself.
- Use A Bug Zapper To Kill Biting Insects
A bug zapper is an electric device that attracts bugs when they fly into its lighted space. Once there, they are electrocuted by high voltage wires that surround the lighted area of the bug zapper.
The electricity also attracts sand fleas as well as other biting insects so if you have one in your yard place it near where you spend time outside so that these pests do not bother you while outdoors
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun! Check out our guide on how to keep mosquitoes away to learn some proven and effective ways to repel these pesky insects.”
Conclusion
If you are still having problems getting rid of sand fleas, it may be time to contact a pest control company.
They will be able to help you with any infestations and find out what else is going on in your yard or home.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further education on the topic of sand fleas:
Tungiasis Fact Sheet: A comprehensive fact sheet by the World Health Organization on tungiasis, a parasitic infection caused by sand fleas.
How to Get Rid of Sand Fleas: A blog post from A-Z Animals that provides helpful tips and tricks to eliminate sand fleas.
Effective Ways of Dealing with Sand Fleas: A blog post by Way.com that offers effective and natural ways to deal with sand fleas.
FAQs
What are sand fleas?
Sand fleas are tiny crustaceans commonly found in sandy areas like beaches, dunes, and deserts.
Can sand fleas harm humans?
Yes, sand fleas can harm humans by biting and causing skin irritation, and in some cases, transmitting diseases.
How do I prevent sand flea bites?
Wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, avoid walking barefoot, and avoid sitting directly on sandy areas to prevent sand flea bites.
What should I do if I get bitten by a sand flea?
Clean the bite area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and use an anti-itch cream to relieve itchiness.
How can I get rid of sand fleas in my home?
Vacuum and clean regularly, seal any entry points, and use pest control products specifically designed for sand fleas.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
