Thousands of tiny flea beetles have been seen along Burnham-On-Sea seafront and in the sand dunes at Berrow and Brean during recent days.
The warm weather created ideal conditions for the tiny creatures, which have been gathering along Burnham’s sea wall and metal rails, as pictured here.
Experts say the flea beetles are so named because of their ability to jump and fly like fleas when bothered – and seafront walkers have been seen swatting them off.
However, while flea beetles can be harmful to small plants and seedlings, they are not harmful to humans or pets, add experts.
Some seafront residents have contacted Burnham-On-Sea.com to say the tiny beetles have been gathering in their windows during the warm weather, as pictured here.
Depending on the species, females lay single or clusters of eggs in small holes, in roots, soil or leaves of vegetables as well as occasionally on flowers and ornamental shrubs and trees. Small white larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on the roots of the newly planted seedlings.
