Sand Flea War

During our wedding trip to Mexico last year, I was the lucky recipient of a number of insect bites that left enormous welts on my back, arms, and legs.  I didn't know exactly what these were, and quite frankly didn't care too much about them until we got back to the mainland and I noticed how very ugly they were.  After some searching, I decided that I must have been bitten by 'sand fleas' (ew!).  According to my research, they only bite certain people in certain settings - totally random - and 'sensitive people' are most likely to be affected.  Great.  

If you're in the mood for prevention, and are heading to a beach vacation this fall, keep these things in mind:

1. Step 1
   Try to avoid the beach after it has rained. These moist, cooler conditions seem to put the fleas at their friskiest state. Give the area a chance to dry and warm up a little before venturing out.
2. Step 2
   Wait until mid-morning to early afternoon to go the beach, as the cooler early morning hours are a favorite time of these little mites.
3. Step 3
   Give your body a good coating of insect repellent before heading out. Check the label to make sure that the repellent works on fleas and not just mosquitoes.
4. Step 4
   Put something between yourself and the sand before sitting down, be it a beach towel or lawn chair. The reason sand flea bites are commonly located on the backs of the thighs is because this is the most exposed and accessible area when sitting directly on the sand.
5. Step 5
   Wear longer shorts if there will be direct contact with the sand. Board shorts work fairly well. Be mindful of the calves and ankles, however, as they are fair game as well.
6. Step 6
   Reapply the insect repellent if the beach party continues after sunset. Biting insects tend to get a second wind when the evening sets in.

Read more: How to Prevent Sand Flea Bites | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2083810_prevent-sand-flea-bites.html#ixzz0vff1pCbC