How to Get Rid of Sand Mites

Sand mites can turn a calm, relaxing beach experience into a painful nightmare.

Sand mites, also called sand fleas, nik-niks, hop-alongs and no-see-ums, can turn an enjoyable outdoor experience into a bad memory. Sand mites bite and leave their victims with irritating, menacing sores. Furthermore, female sand mites can actually spread diseases through their bites, according to HowToGetRid.org. Sand mites do not live in one place very long and are typically found in marine environments; however, it is possible to bring them inside your home and yard. It may take a few treatments, but there are ways in which to get rid of sand mites.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Steam cleaner
• Flea preventative
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Vacuum inside your home, car or anywhere you suspect sand mites are living. Be sure to get inside the cracks and any small areas in which the mites may hide. Vacuuming can eliminate sand mites and their eggs; however, you may need to do this several times before you completely eliminate the sand mite population. Be sure to remove your vacuum bag or empty the container in an outdoor trash vessel.

2. Steam-clean the carpets, rugs and furniture in your home. The high temperatures of the steam cleaning will cause the sand mites to die. However, you must reach crevices and other small areas in which the mites may be hiding in order to completely remove them from your home. As with vacuuming, it may take several steam-cleaning treatments before they are fully eliminated.

3. Apply a flea preventative on your dog or cat. Sand mites can live and lay eggs on your pets and will continue to inhabit your home and environment if they are not exterminated. The ingredients in flea preventatives, such as Frontline Plus or Advantage, also work against sand mites, according to Practical-Pet-Care.com. Consult with your veterinarian before applying the medication to your pet to make sure your furry friend is healthy enough to handle the treatment.

4. Spray your yard with an insecticide that contains an insect growth regulator. However, use caution if you have pets or children who will spend time in your yard.

5. Empty the sand out your sand box and spray the box with an insecticide. If possible, empty the sand in a place that is away from your home, so that the mites do not come back into the box, your yard or your home. Rinse the box thoroughly to remove any residue the insecticide may have left behind before placing new sand inside.

References

• HowToGetRid: How to Get Rid of Sand Fleas
• PracticalPetCare: Fleas
• All Experts: Pest Control---Sand Mites