Sand Fleas
The sand flea is known by many names such as no-see-ums, midges, beach fleas and sand flies. These little guys feed in the early morning and late dusk when they search for tiny aquatic animals to attack. Of course, when human bodies are lying about they, too, will become targets for sand fleas. This is especially true for pale skinned humans because their skin is thinner and easier for the flea to pierce.
The sand flea looks a little like a tiny mosquito with shorter mouth parts. Large masses are commonly seen flying around in condensed circles producing a high pitched whine alerting you to their presence. The sand flea bites to suck blood. The flea injects its saliva which thins the blood making it easier for the flea to suck the liquid from its prey. The saliva causes the human body’s immune system to react with a large welt that can irritate the skin for several days, causing severe itching.
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The larva changes into "pupa" that float like tiny buoys in the water. After a week or so, pupa that have escaped being eaten by frogs, fish and birds, emerge as adult sand fleas and begin to fly. You will know when this is happening by the intense bird activity as predator birds fly low to snatch the sand fleas out of the air.
The best way to protect yourself from a sand flea bites is to steer clear of their breeding grounds. As with mosquito control, it is helpful to eliminate pockets of standing water including birdbaths, tires, empty pots and children’s toys that have been left out in the yard.