Get out of the water! Swarms of 'mini-sharks' are on a foot-biting rampage in California
Beach-goers across California were attacked by hordes of 'mini-sharks' this week, the first time such an event has been reported on the US West Coast. Thousands of small, shark-like fish (called pygmy whitefish) had washed up onto the beach near Los Angeles and were nibbling on peoples' feet as they entered the water. The strange thing about these bites was that some people got dozens of them, says Chris Lowe, a marine biologist at California State University, Long Beach.
The Red Bait
A group of bug hunters, led by Steven Kutcher, have been studying a recent phenomenon: hordes of tiny bloodsucking insects with an unmistakable resemblance to a Sharknado. Dubbed Tropical Sand Flies, these infernal pests were first spotted about 10 years ago in Australia and spread to New Zealand, Hawaii, Florida and the Caribbean. But now they're invading California's beaches. The primary difference between this species and their Australian counterparts is that Tropical Sand Flies bite primarily on land, using sharp mandibles to make three parallel gashes near one edge of the epidermis. Their bites can feel like needles stabbing skin as if filled with high voltage electricity (ouch!) which creates small pools of blood at the surface. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle cramps among others. Scientists are scrambling to find effective treatments for the little buggers who suck so hard that they drain up to 40% of your body’s fluids within 15 minutes.
Kutcher worries that there may be more varieties of these bugs popping up because they seem well adapted for spreading around. He suggests that people keep pets away from beaches and rinse off any sand before getting into a car or house. And it wouldn't hurt to wear shoes when visiting public spaces during peak activity hours (between 5am and 8pm). We need to take personal responsibility, he said. The best thing we can do is not let them get established. The best thing we can do is not let them get established. Sand flies tend to fly just two feet above the ground, so you should consider spraying surfaces near ground level with insecticide. Because sand flies usually come out after sundown, swatting them has proven useless. And despite what someone might tell you, there are no reports of people actually dying from their bites in the US; but there is enough evidence to suggest that they cause life-threatening allergic reactions and skin lesions leading to necrosis and gangrene. However, only 2% of cases show serious complications according to Entomologist Rick Halsey of UC Davis. Dr Halsey concludes his research stating there doesn't seem to be anything unusual going on here. These creatures are the same type of gnat found in the rest of the world. They don't migrate and they can’t transmit disease. They are basically just hungry, annoying, blood-sucking bugs that use our skin to live on. Well I guess that makes sense because they don't bite animals. Nowhere in history is there a report of them migrating and attacking other mammals such as humans, raccoons, deer, cows etc. The biggest danger seems to be being out too late outside where there are plenty of mosquitoes to mix with these sand flies--with the added risk of West Nile Virus. Kutcher claims that something must be making them more aggressive--possibly global warming or ocean acidification? Either way, as of right now they seem to be outnumbering the Black Fly and are less likely to succumb to pesticides. You can also ward them off by covering up with a long-sleeved shirt and pants, wearing footwear, or just staying indoors altogether. Kutcher concluded that The best thing we can do is not let them get established.
Kutcher concluded that The best thing we can do is not let them get established. With the help of all Californians, they can be eradicated. Kutcher suggested that people keep their pets off the beach and to rinse off any sand before they enter a vehicle or home. It would not be a bad idea to put on some shoes in areas of high concentration of sand flies. Sand flies, Kutcher warns, are very mobile and can easily migrate to other parts of the country. That is why we have to fight them now while they are still new, and not let them establish themselves on California’s beaches.
Kutcher urged California residents to eradicate these pests by working together. If you happen to see a swarm, do not panic and do not kill them because you will never get rid of them that way! A sand fly is just a mosquito and they don't bite you because they can't get the juice they need to make more sand flies. Kutcher's main goal is to educate people about these bugs, and how to prevent them from taking over California beaches.
The Red Tide
Despite its name, the Red Tide is not actually caused by a tide at all. The Red Tide is actually an algae called K. brevis, which produces long chains of cells that give it a red hue when they get together and form large patches. It's possible to mistake one for chum or spilled blood when conditions make it difficult to see through murky or turbid waters.
In recent months, what was once uncommon has become more common as this particular type of algae becomes more powerful in its effect upon marine life. One place you'll find it is on our beaches, where residents have reported biting into people's feet after stepping onto them with their wet feet. Experts say this is because the algae thrives in warm, calm weather like we've been experiencing over the past few weeks.
The mini-shark bugs were first spotted by El Segundo resident Shelley King, who says she thought her 2-year old daughter had been bitten by ants before she realized that it was really sand fleas. She went online to research how to get rid of them and found reports of beachgoers noticing bites after coming home from day trips.
The El Segundo Beach Patrol Department has issued warnings about taking care when walking barefoot near these small insects that could cause serious discomfort or infection if left untreated, but so far there have been no reports of any injuries from encounters with these miniature sharks. No matter what you call them, these tiny creatures pose a big problem for those looking to enjoy the ocean - especially if you're not fond of ant bites. To avoid being eaten alive while trying to soak up some sun, experts recommend using DEET insect repellent and wearing shoes whenever possible. There are also many methods available to control the Red Tide, including manmade treatments such as seaweed extractions and synthetic chemicals; however, many environmentalists believe that this will only lead to further damage in our oceans. What can be done now? Grab your sandals - just keep your feet inside them.
Whether you live along CA's coast or simply want to visit an area where they've been sighted, it's important to know where they lurk. If you live in Los Angeles County (and even neighboring areas), don't let it get close enough to bite! Keep your feet safely covered and use mosquito repellant to stay safe.
The Cure
If you're itching to hit the beach, be wary of small black bug looking creatures. These tiny bugs - which can't fly - swarm beaches along the coast and make people allergic to bug bites come alive. Known as black sand fleas, these microscopic insects make you itch all over your body after just one bite. It's been confirmed that there is no effective treatment for this allergy, but some suggestions say using hydrocortisone cream can reduce itchiness and swelling for up to two hours. Other treatments include antihistamines and anti-itch creams. So if you find yourself at the beach this summer, be careful of not only shark warnings but also insect ones. One day you could be swimming with the fishes and the next day scratching like crazy from an unexpected encounter with miniature sharks. The West Coast is being invaded by small black bugs called Black Sand Fleas that have been lurking under the surface and taking unsuspecting swimmers by surprise. No bigger than 1/2 inch long, these buggers love humid areas where sand sticks together creating habitat for their hungry little bodies. The female flea will dig into the ground and lay eggs until she dies three weeks later, leaving her offspring to continue feasting off human blood. While they typically go undetected because they can't fly, swimmers must now beware of what lurks below their feet. The key to avoiding getting bitten is watching where you step or swim when visiting coastal areas--just don't let any tide pool critters sneak up on you or give them a chance to suck your blood! In the event you do get bit, most doctors recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve itchiness.
A popular suggestion is applying Hydrocortisone Cream which reduces itchiness and swelling for up to two hours; other treatments include antihistamines and anti-itch creams. Stay tuned here for more updates on mini sharks vs. real ones!
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