23 Common Bugs on The Beach (& How to Keep Them Away)

What kind of wildlife do you expect to see when planning a beach trip? You may have an idea; perhaps you intend to continue a crab hunting tradition, enjoy fishing on the pier, or have had your fair share of food stolen by pelicans. Much like in the forests, woods, and mountains here in Alabama, biodiversity is abundant on our gorgeous beaches along the Gulf Coast.

In the days leading up to your trip to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, you’re likely daydreaming about the clean, white, glittering sands and the turquoise waters—not the critters that dwell there. However, it is essential to remember that the beach, like any natural environment, can expose you to pests: creatures that impede your enjoyment by biting, stinging, contaminating food, or simply repeatedly flying into your face and being a nuisance.

As experts in integrative pest management, we consider these factors essential in preparation for beach trips, more so than the average person. To help ensure you have the best beach vacation, we’re here to warn you about beach bugs, like sand fleas, and other animals to watch out for. We’ll also share our best advice for preventing them from bugging you and your family. Just keep reading to learn more!

Other Beach Creatures to Look Out For

Although we wouldn’t classify them as “beach bugs,” you should be on the lookout for these creatures next time you’re on the beach to avoid the health consequences or general annoyance they can cause:

• Beach hoppers: They look like little shrimp and are harmless, but you want to make sure they’re not actually sandfleas. They are sometimes mistaken for each other as small crustaceans that wander in the sand more than in the ocean.
• Jellyfish: Whether you think it’s dead or alive, never touch a jellyfish that’s washed ashore.
• Blood worms: Although their name might make these guys sound scary, they’re not; they’re always bright red in hue! They’re not like lampreys or leeches that can latch onto other creatures (or people) and drain them of blood. However, it is best to leave them alone if you’re not a professional in identifying beach-dwelling worms.

Watch Out for These Beach Bugs & Animals:

Sandfleas are among the most notorious “beach bugs,” although they aren’t bugs at all; they’re crustaceans, more like itty-bitty crabs. Instead of pinching you like a crab would, sand fleas leap onto their targets and bite like actual fleas (insects), which is where they got the name.

Sandflea bites are similar to those left by mosquitoes or regular fleas, causing itchy red welts for a few days. However, female sand fleas can do more damage than a regular bite from a male can. When a female sandflea is ready to lay her eggs, she will bite a warm-blooded host (a person or other mammalian animal) and tunnel into the skin, not emerging until she lays the eggs.

The best ways to prevent you and your pets from getting sandflea bites are pretty straightforward:

• Don’t lay directly on sand: sit on a chair or towel.
• Wear bug spray that contains Deet on your legs.
• Thoroughly check your pet’s fur after taking them to the beach.
• If you visit the beach at night (when these creatures are most active), wear closed-toed shoes and pants that cover your legs and any part of your body that you think will come into contact with the sand.

Unlike sandfleas, sandflies are insects (in the fly category, as their moniker suggests). They are usually found near rotting kelp and seaweed, where they breed and feast. Similarly to mosquitoes, the female sandfly needs a blood meal from a warm-blooded animal (i.e., people, cats, dogs) to develop her eggs before she lays them.

So, sandflies will bite you and drink your blood if given the opportunity, which can cause diseases like Pappataci fever or Carrion’s disease. The best way to prevent sandflies from biting you, and the potentially resulting health consequences, is to stay away from beach areas covered in kelp and follow the advice for preventing sandflea bites we listed in the previous section.

Beach Bugs

FAQ

What are these little bugs on the beach?

What are Sandflies? Sand flies, also known as no-see-ums, midges, or kelp flies, are tiny, biting insects found in sandy coastal areas.

How do you get rid of beach bugs?

Apply a layer of bug spray before the beach pests can get to you, and just like your sunscreen, be sure to reapply if it gets washed away in the water. Stay away from areas where beach pests are likely to be found.

What do sand mites look like?

• Appearance:

  • They are tiny, ranging from a pinhead to about 1/2 inch in length. 

  • They have flat, shrimp-like bodies. 

  • They have several pairs of legs and long antennae. 

  • They are often off-white or brown in color. 

  • They are known for their jumping ability. 

• Habitat and Behavior:

  • They are found near bodies of water, such as oceans or marshlands. 

  • They feed on dead and rotting plant material, like seaweed. 

  • They are most active at night. 

  • They can mistakenly bite humans while searching for food. 

• Sand Flea Bites:

  • Bites can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin. 

  • The bites usually go away in a few days. 

  • The bites are often found on the lower legs and ankles. 

• Not True Fleas:

  • Despite their name, sand fleas are not actually fleas, but crustaceans. 

  • They are related to lobsters, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish. 

Can sand fleas harm you?

Sand flea bites can range from mild to severe. Some bites from tiny organisms called sand fleas (that are actually crustaceans) are pretty harmless. But other types of sand fleas (usually those in rural, underdeveloped areas), called chigoe fleas, can cause serious skin problems, bacterial infections and diseases.

What are the most common beach bugs?

Here are the most common beach bugs and how to help avoid them. Sand fleas aren’t actually fleas or insects at all. They are tiny crustaceans. They’re called “sand fleas” due to their bites, which are similar to a regular flea bite. These critters bury themselves in the sand and their bites are itchy and uncomfortable to some people.

Do bugs bite on the beach?

Bugs on the beach can sometimes bite. They can simply be bothersome on other occasions. Correct species identification is important as you know which bug bites and which doesn’t. The beach provides an ideal habitat for digger species such as digging bees which use soft sand to build nests.

Are there sand fleas on beaches?

Other common names include mole crabs, beach fleas, beach hoppers, and sand hoppers. These aren’t biting bugs, but a sand flea circus hopping about can ruin a beach day for some folks. There is a type of sand flea found on beaches that can be a concern, however.

Why are there so many bugs on beaches?

Clean beaches that are under the management of public authorities are less likely to have as many bugs as wild beaches. Many bees nest on wild beaches, areas with reduced human activity. Ants and other types of sand burrowers are also likely to live on beaches with plenty of economic and human activity.

Can Beach bugs ruin a seaside weekend?

A day at the beach should be a carefree experience, but beach bugs can quickly dampen the mood. From biting insects to annoying pests, these pests can absolutely ruin a seaside weekend. Keep reading this guide to learn more about beach bugs and learn some useful tips on how to avoid them and their bug bites.

Are there hopping bugs on beaches?

Some of the multiple hopping bugs on beaches are Sandhoppers (Talitrus saltator). The species gets its name from its constant and somewhat erratic jumping movements. This species of terrestrial isopods has spread throughout many parts of Europe and North America. The color of the species is tan to brown, often mimicking the color of the sand.