Most sandy areas are not full of very many pests, though there are some species of pests that can try to leap on to people and pets and turn them into hosts. These pests are best combated by using repellents, since these pests can cause human health problems and can also infest homes. Many of these repellents have natural ingredients, but the ones that do not may cause health problems for small children.
All Purpose Repellent
Regardless of what kinds of insects you’re dealing with, Off Deep Woods is the most effective brand of insect repellent, according to Galt Tech. This repellent has 25 percent DEET, so while it will successfully keep off harmful sand-dwelling insects, this repellent can be harmful to children when worn frequently. However, higher quantities of DEET help keep the bugs away. This repellent can work against mosquitoes, which can be found in many areas with standing water, and can also get rid of many of the other common pests such as biting midges and chigoe fleas.
Biting Midges
Biting midges, also known as sand flies, contain allergens in their saliva that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. However, these midges are less likely to spread infectious diseases. However, these sand flies do transmit leishmaniasis, which can cause fever and anemia. These insects breed in wet sand, near coastal areas. The best way to repel the biting midges is to spray synthetic pyrethroid barrier sprays around vegetation, according to Byron Shire Council. Vegetation attracts the midges. These sprays mimic the natural chemical pyrethrins of the plant, pyrethrum. Picaridin and eucalyptus oil also help repel these midges.
Chigoe Fleas
Chigoe fleas live in sandy regions and tend to leap on the feet of people who go barefoot. Vinegar can serve as a repellent for fleas, according to Gomestic. A spray bottle with 50 percent water and 50 percent vinegar can act as an easy-to-apply repellent spray. Fleas do not like the taste and smell of vinegar. This repellent works especially for pets, which tend to roll around in the sand and are more likely to get the chigoe flea on them than humans. Some of the repellents come with additives that have aromatherapy benefits, which counter the vinegar smell for the pet, while still repelling the fleas.
Ants
Ants are found in most places and commonly enter homes that have easily available food. They use sand to construct anthills and are often found in sandy areas. Ant repellents can keep the ants away from certain areas, but the repellents will not prevent the ants from establishing colonies within a home. Some substances such as catnip, diatomaceous earth, borax, ground cinnamon and spearmint all act as repellents for ants.
