SURF CITY — A Surf City beach access is closed indefinitely as the town addresses a flea infestation — the first a town beach access has ever seen.
The town was made aware there was an issue at Beach Access 25 on Tuesday, July 14. On the day of the report, the access was immediately closed and inspected by staff. Flea activity was discovered.
Fleas were identified on the wooden beach access and the surrounding area. In a single day, a female flea can lay 50 eggs, meaning by the time a few fleas are seen, an infestation has likely already taken root.
Fleas bites can be a nuisance to beachgoers, not only leaving behind itchy red welts, but, in extreme cases, the insects can also act as a disease carrier.
A representative for the town, Ashley Riffle, told Port City Daily nearby beach accesses were inspected and no further issues were found. The cause of the infestation has yet to be determined. Currently, town officials are treating it with Bifen, an insecticide known for killing over 75 pests, inclusive of termites, ants, spiders and fleas.
Liquid Bifen 7.9 is being sprayed on structural components of the access. Bifen L/P, which contains only 0.2% Bifenthrin rather than 7.9% in the other treatment, is being used to target ground areas on the street side of the access. .
While effective in getting rid of insects, the insecticide is considered highly toxic to marine life. The town is aware of the risks and said it is taking precautions to prevent potential negative environmental impacts.
Riffle said no Bifen is being applied to the ocean side of the access and applications by licensed contractors are occurring a minimum of 100 feet away from the shoreline. She added the products are being kept away from sites that could increase the risk of runoff such as strom drains, surface water and other drainage areas.
Once the products dry, the risk of runoff decreases significantly.
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