Ever left the beach with itchy red bites on your feet and ankles? You might blame sand fleas.
Sand fleas are tiny crustaceans related to shrimp and crabs. While some species can bite, they don’t live on humans or pets like regular fleas.
The good news? Sand flea bites aren’t dangerous in North America, just itchy and irritating. The bad news? They’re hard to avoid if you don’t take precautions.
To prevent bites, avoid the beach at dawn and dusk, use DEET-based insect repellent, and sit on a towel or chair instead of directly on the sand.
In this guide, I’ll break down where sand fleas live, how to treat bites, and the best ways to prevent them from ruining your beach day.
Ward Off Sand Flea Bites
Sand flea bites aren’t dangerous in North America, but they can be incredibly itchy, and, if scratched too much, may lead to infection. The good news? You can easily avoid bites with a few simple precautions:
- Avoid the beach at dawn and dusk when sand fleas are most active.
- Use DEET-based insect repellent on your legs and feet.
- Sit on a beach chair or towel instead of directly on the sand.
- Wear shoes or sandals when walking on the beach.
- Shower and change clothes after leaving the beach to wash off any lingering fleas.
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Sand Fleas Vs. Regular Fleas
Many people assume sand fleas are just tiny beach-dwelling versions of regular fleas — but they’re actually not fleas at all.
Sand fleas are small crustaceans more closely related to crabs and shrimp than insects. They live in coastal sand and primarily feed on organic debris like seaweed. Some species may bite humans, but they don’t rely on blood to survive.
Regular fleas are insects that live on pets, in homes, and in yards. They feed exclusively on blood, jump long distances, and can spread diseases.
Sand Flea Bites to Humans
Some species of sand fleas bite humans if given the chance. Bites usually occur on the feet, ankles, and lower legs and appear as small red bumps in clusters, sometimes with a red halo around them. Sand fleas inject saliva that prevents clotting, which can trigger itching, swelling, and redness. While itchy and irritating, sand flea bites are not dangerous in North America.
How to Treat Sand Flea Bites
Most sand flea bites go away on their own within a few days. In the meantime:
- Avoid scratching — breaking the skin increases the risk of infection.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to soothe itching.
- Try home remedies like aloe vera or oatmeal baths for extra relief.
- Take an antihistamine like Benadryl if itching is severe.
- Watch for signs of infection — if swelling worsens or you develop a fever, seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sand fleas can be found on many coastal beaches worldwide, especially in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions. In the U.S., they’re most common along the Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Pacific coast. They’re also found in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and various other coastal areas globally.
Their population varies depending on conditions like moisture, temperature, and time of year. They tend to be more active after rain and during cooler parts of the day.
Completely eliminating sand fleas from a beach isn’t possible — and trying to do so wouldn’t be environmentally responsible. Instead, focus on protecting yourself from bites by:
- Using a DEET-based insect repellent on your legs and feet
- Avoiding the beach at dawn and dusk when sand fleas are most active
- Sitting on a towel or chair instead of directly on the sand
- Wearing shoes instead of walking barefoot
- Showering and changing clothes immediately after leaving the beach
Some people catch sand fleas for fishing bait since they’re a favorite food for species like pompano, redfish, and flounder. Anglers often use sand flea rakes — specialized sieve-like tools — to scoop them up from the wet sand near the surf.
However, if you’re trying to catch sand fleas to remove them from a beach, it won’t make much of a difference — new ones will quickly take their place.
Sand fleas feed primarily on organic debris such as plankton, decaying seaweed, and tiny plant particles carried by ocean waves. They’re not blood-feeding parasites like regular fleas.
That said, some species may bite humans when they come into contact with exposed skin, but they’re not actively hunting for blood like mosquitoes or ticks.
For most people, sand flea bites are just an itchy annoyance rather than a serious health threat. However, bites can sometimes lead to:
- Red, itchy bumps that may resemble flea or mosquito bites
- Mild allergic reactions, including swelling or discomfort
- Secondary infections if bites are scratched excessively
In rare cases, travelers to Central and South America, Africa, or the Caribbean may encounter chigoe fleas (Tunga penetrans), which burrow into human skin and cause an infection called tungiasis. These fleas are not found on North American beaches.
If you develop severe swelling, fever, nausea, or persistent pain after a beach visit, seek medical attention.
No — North American sand fleas do not burrow into human skin. This common misconception comes from confusion with chigoe fleas (Tunga penetrans), which are only found in tropical regions like South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
If you’re traveling to an area where chigoe fleas are present, wear closed-toe shoes and avoid walking barefoot on sandy or dusty ground.
