As many of you know, (I use the term "many" when referring to you my readers, perhaps I should use the term "both" instead) I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years. Most of my time in, I was stationed at Parris Island, in Beaufort, SC. For any of you who have been in that area, it is home to one of the nastiest insects known to man: the sand flea.
It seems that wherever you go, whatever you do, the sand flea is your constant companion. So much so, that the term "The Beaufort Salute" is now the Beaufort areas official phrase describing the motion of repelling sand fleas. The sand flea is Beaufort's most popular unwanted guest. Many names are given to this micro vampire, such as No-see-ums,punkies, gnats and numerous other four letter words I won't mention. It is hard to believe an insect only 1/10th of an inch in size is capable of such an annoying bite. The bite of a sand flea is actually a sting and the effects can be felt for hours. A small reddish or whitish welt,about the size of a freckle is a sure sign you have become a sand fleas feast. Often, one encounters hundreds of sand fleas at one time and will receive many bites...as the sand flea loves to share its meal with all its many hungry friends. (beaufortUSA.com)
It seems that wherever you go, whatever you do, the sand flea is your constant companion. So much so, that the term "The Beaufort Salute" is now the Beaufort areas official phrase describing the motion of repelling sand fleas. The sand flea is Beaufort's most popular unwanted guest. Many names are given to this micro vampire, such as No-see-ums,punkies, gnats and numerous other four letter words I won't mention. It is hard to believe an insect only 1/10th of an inch in size is capable of such an annoying bite. The bite of a sand flea is actually a sting and the effects can be felt for hours. A small reddish or whitish welt,about the size of a freckle is a sure sign you have become a sand fleas feast. Often, one encounters hundreds of sand fleas at one time and will receive many bites...as the sand flea loves to share its meal with all its many hungry friends. (beaufortUSA.com)
I now am experiencing (once again) the equally lovable irritatant prevelent in the Greenville, SC area: poision ivy. No, this is not me in the picture...thank God! I have never been bothered by it whatsoever before in my life, before moving to Greenville. Oh the itching, the scratching, the oozing. Grossed out yet? Yeah, me too!
they are nasty
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