Sand Fleas are small crustaceans belonging to the Talitridae family that are commonly found along the Atlantic coast. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t bite you since they are not insects but are actually related to crabs and lobsters instead.
Sand Fleas, despite their misleading name, aren’t actually fleas at all, or even insects for that matter! In reality, they’re very small crustaceans belonging to the Amphipod order in the family Talitridae. They can usually be found along the Atlantic coast.
As we explained above, sand fleas aren’t actually insects at all despite their common name. Instead, they become to the Amphipod family and are more like lobsters and crabs.
Adult female sand fleas deposit eggs within the brood pouches located on their underside. Eggs hatch directly into juvenile form after approximately one to three weeks of being laid. They resemble the appearance of adult sand fleas.
Sand fleas are unlikely to travel home with you after a beach trip, and prefer to stay in their sandy environment. Therefore, sand flea infestation is highly unlikely.