Sand Flea Facts & Information

What You Can Do

In order to properly determine the pest and the threat, it is important to have the culprit identified, so it is best to collect the pest and have it identified. Contact your veterinarian for treatment options and call a pest control professional to discuss treatment and control methods.

What Orkin Does

Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage sand fleas and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique flea treatment program for your situation.

Orkin can provide the right solution to keep sand fleas in their place…out of your home, or business.

Characteristics

The term sand flea is used to describe many species of animals.

Bites & Welts

Most people describe sand fleas as very small animals which bite people, leaving welts similar to that of a flea. These welts can be caused by a multitude of animals near sandy or coastal areas. There are also sand flies which bite people and are found in sandy areas including desert areas. Sand flies also leave itchy welts.

Pests Mistaken for Sand Fleas

Besides fleas and flies, there are biting gnats and midges which may leave welts, so there are multiple possibilities. Cat and dog fleas are commonly blamed for "sand flea" bites from small biting flies found in coastal areas.

Chigoe (Tunga penetrans) is a type of insect found in tropical areas. This too is sometimes incorrectly called a sand flea. Tungiasis is the skin disorder caused by these fleas. Reports of individuals in North America are from tourists to other areas of the world. The adults burrow into the host's skin, usually the feet.

More Information

The term sand flea is used to describe many species of animals.

Are Cat Fleas and Dog Fleas the Same?

Cat Fleas on Humans

Flea Bites

Flea Bombs

Flea Life Cycle

Signs of a Flea Infestation

What Do Fleas Look Like?