Sand fleas at sunset?

**aphrodisiac** · 01-16-2012, 11:54 PM

Hi gang,

Wondering if anyone had opinions about walking along the beach at sunset. Have heard a few people mention this is normally the time sand fleas come out, and you are more likely to get bit.

We are holding our marriage ceremony on the beach at sunset (at a different, nearby resort). Our only dress code requirement is that our guests don't wear shoes. Naturally, I don't want everyone to get bit up during our ceremony! So, could the fleas or 'no-see-ums' be an issue? What type/strength of bug spray could we use to keep them at bay? Should we relax our dress code (ha ha) and encourage guests to wear flip flops? Our next visit is in July, if that makes any difference.

Also, because my mom is prone to insect bites, I know that you can paint over flea bites with clear nail polish to help with the itching. Hopefully it doesn't get to that point.

**Lewis&Alice** · 01-17-2012, 12:36 AM

Yes we have been biten by them and it sucks make sure you put a lot of off on and sometimes that does not even help.

**MaryW** · 01-17-2012, 01:51 AM

Even in late afternoon I've had problems with them there and flip flops or sandals won't help...they don't just go after the soles of the feet but the feet and ankles. So you can still say no sandals as it won't really deter them to have sandals on. Bring lots of bug spray for your guests.

**takemetonegril** · 01-17-2012, 07:49 AM

Used to be a problem when I went in Nov, never been bitten by anything in April.

**CopNkitten** · 01-17-2012, 08:56 AM

I did a vow renewal ceremony in Sept on the beach for a couple and got bitten up pretty good.
I have never been bitten down there in April, but were bringing bug spray for our own renewal in April, just in case.
But we have never seen to have that problem in April at H3 or H2.
Cop..

**phillygirl22** · 01-17-2012, 09:17 AM

May was BAD. We sat for about 40 seconds trying to watch the sunset, and finally I just jumped up screaming. (didn't have bug spray on)
However, a few days later at our dinner, we didn't have problems. (I wonder if they sprayed? And if they could do that for a vow renewal site?)
In September I sat in the hammock and was FINE the entire sunset -- even dozed off for a little nap. Maybe the breeze helped? Maybe being physically OUT of the sand?
I don't know. But I agree, the sandals won't make a difference.
I would just speak to your coordinator about it.

**MaryW** · 01-17-2012, 09:37 AM

It doesn't seem to matter when we are there...they must come out of hibernation to find me! I've had problems any month we've gone including April, June and November, though this past November was the worst. When we renewed our vows 2 years ago in April (picture in my profile) I was bit up all over my legs from walking around to take pics on the beach.

**Redshadow** · 01-17-2012, 09:55 AM

We always go in April. Never got bit by anything I didn't bite first

**spankme422** · 01-17-2012, 09:58 AM

I know i was out on the beach at night at least twice when we were there in April and I didnt have any issues. They are probably like misquitos though and eat some people alive and leave others alone.... we should get some deet for your mom if they her

**Buck** · 01-17-2012, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by spankme422

I know i was out on the beach at night at least twice when we were there in April and I didnt have any issues. They are probably like misquitos though and eat some people alive and leave others alone.... we should get some deet for your mom if they her

Maybe try rubbing rum cream on yourself that could work. LOL

**clary1** · 01-17-2012, 12:34 PM

We were there over Christmas. I went out early every morning and let my wife sleep in. I put on lots of "Off" but I still got a few bites. My wife didn't get any bites and she didn't use any bug spray. Another lady was also out early mornings (her beach chair was nearby)and she didn't get any bites. She seemed to put on a lot of suntan oil all over. I'm thinking that the sand fleas don't like the oily sun lotion. Maybe the beach raking stirs them up in the morning. Maybe they just like certain people over others.

**MaryW** · 01-17-2012, 01:41 PM

Well keep in mind that some of it has to do with the weather...in November we were fine at the beginning of the week then we had some rain mid week and by the end of the week they were out in full force.

**marcncleo69** · 01-17-2012, 05:01 PM

We did a nice photoshoot on the beach at sunset (last year) while we were there, (April) and not one bite. In fact in the 7 times we have been to either Hedo III or II. There was only one year at H3 we were bitten by anything, and that was only one night at dusk waiting for the Munason where Eric was ravaged by mosquitoes. Had about 20 or 30 bites within minutes.

**sabinaandscott** · 01-17-2012, 05:31 PM

We did a champagne sunset party over New Years week...spent about 45 minutes by the hook and didn;t get bit at all...about 100 people there for the party and not aware of anyone having problems....maybe we just got a lucky night!