Pest Control for Sand Fleas

Long-Horned Sand Flea (Americorchestia longicornis)
What ARE sand fleas?
Doing research on the internet can leave you a bit confused. Many web articles refer to sand fleas as crustaceans that live along the coast, near water. These sand fleas have exoskeletons. However, not all sand fleas need an aquatic environment to survive. The American Sand Flea is an amphipod, and is also known as the “Long-Horned Sand Flea,” “Sandhopper,” or “Beach Hopper.” It’s about the size of a grain of rice and moves very fast (see video below).Video of American long-horned sand fleas found in a schoolyard.
Long-horned sand fleas derive their name from their long antennae. They crawl and hop along the surface of sandy areas. Feeding scavengers; they are active in the early morning and at night. This species of American sand fleas do have gills but when near water, they only enter the water occasionally.Where does the American sand flea live?
Wherever there is sand, including your child’s sandbox. The Long-horned sand flea lives both on the coast and in any other sandy habitat. The American sand flea gets around because it’s transported by humans.What happens when sand fleas bite?
When bit, Long-horned sand fleas inject their saliva into your skin which anesthetizes the area so that you don’t even know were bit! The bites turn into red welts that itch and if scratched, can scar.
Sand flea bites.
How to treat sand flea bites
The large welts from sand flea bites may appear right away or after a few days. Don’t scratch – they can leave scars. Antihistamines and oatmeal baths can help with the itching. If however, you do have a black dot in the middle of a welt, as stated earlier, it is a sign a female sand flea has laid her eggs under your skin and you should see a doctor. Explain what and where it happened and the doctor can remove the flea.
Female American sand flea bite – Black dot in the center is a sign eggs have been laid.
How do you get rid of sand fleas?
Having a professional do an inspection, to ensure in fact that it is sand fleas and not dog or cat fleas is important in the type of treatment and application. Hearts Pest Management will inspect your home, yard, children’s playground, and any areas with sand, free-of-charge. We will treat using organic products, including Diatomaceous Earth, especially in sandy areas where children play. Call today for a free consultation!800-986-1006
You may also fill out the form below and a caring Hearts Pest Management Customer Service Representative will contact you shortly.Locations
City Services for Pest Control in Los Angeles
Agoura Hills | Northridge | |
Alhambra | Pacific Palisades | |
Arcadia | Palos Verdes Estates | |
Beverly Hills | Pasadena | |
Burbank | Pomona | |
Calabasas | Rancho Palos Verdes | |
Cerritos | Redondo Beach | |
City of Industry | Reseda | |
City of Los Angeles | Rolling Hills Estates | |
Claremont | San Marino | |
Culver City | Santa Fe Springs | |
Cypress | Santa Monica | |
Diamond Bar | Sherman Oaks | |
El Monte | Sylmar | |
El Segundo | Tarzana | |
Encino | Temple City | |
Glendale | Toluca Lake | |
Granada Hills | Torrance | |
Hacienda Heights | Venice | |
Hidden Hills | Walnut | |
Hollywood | West Covina | |
La Verne | West Hollywood | |
Long Beach | West Los Angeles | |
Malibu | Westlake Village | |
Manhattan Beach | Whittier | |
Marina Del Rey | Woodland Hills | |
North Hollywood | ||
City Services for Pest Control in Orange County
Aliso Viejo | Laguna Hills | |
Anaheim | Laguna Niguel | |
Brea | Lake Forest | |
Buena Park | Los Alamitos | |
Capistrano Beach | Mission Viejo | |
City of Orange | Newport Beach | |
Corona Del Mar | Orange | |
Costa Mesa | Rancho Santa Margarita | |
Dana Point | Rossmoor | |
Fountain Valley | San Clemente | |
Fullerton | San Juan Capistrano | |
Garden Grove | Santa Ana | |
Huntington Beach | Tustin | |
Irvine | Villa Park | |
La Habra | Westminster | |
Laguna Beach | Yorba Linda | |
City Services for Pest Control in San Diego
4S Ranch | Rancho Penasquitos | |
Poway | Scripps Ranch | |
Rancho Bernardo | ||
Descanso | Ramona | |
Julian | Santa Ysabel | |
Pine Valley | ||
Bonsall | Hidden Meadows | |
Escondido | Pauma Valley | |
Fallbrook | Valley Center | |
Carlsbad | Pacific Beach | |
Coronado | Point Loma | |
La Costa | San Ysidro | |
Mira Mesa | The City of San Diego | |
Otay Mesa | ||
Cardiff by the Sea | Oceanside | |
Carmel Valley | Rancho Santa Fe | |
Del Mar | San Marcos | |
Encinitas | Solana Beach | |
La Jolla | Vista | |
Alpine | Imperial Beach | |
Bonita | Jamul | |
Chula Vista | La Mesa | |
East Lake Chula Vista | Lakeside | |
El Cajon | Santee | |