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WORTH KNOWING

Thunderbugs all over the beach: this is what you should know

When it gets humid, they're suddenly there - colloquially known as thunderbugs, they can drive you up the wall.

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Caty from Strandscanner published
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Why are thunderbugs on the beach?

When it gets humid, they are suddenly there - colloquially called thunderstorm animals, the thrips or also fringe flies can drive you to white heat if you want to use the time before the apparently upcoming thunderstorm on the beach.

As the air changes before the thunderstorm and becomes quasi statically charged, the insects, which are merely driven by the wind and cannot fly purposefully, descend and land involuntarily and in large numbers preferably on light-colored clothing or your skin.

Do thunderstorm animals sting?

In fact, thunderbugs can bite through your skin, causing itching or red spots; but don't worry, that's not really what they're after, as fringe winged insects feed on plant juices and stray onto your skin in search of moisture.

How do I get rid of thunderbugs on my skin?

  1. Especially helpful is an environment where there is wind, so avoid beach shells or beach chairs at the beach or make sure that the flight path is disturbed by hanging cloths from the beach chair or beach shell.

  2. Preferably use cloths, clothing or similar to remove the little animals - you are not as effective with your hand

  3. Go for a swim in the water as long as it is not thundery or shower off the animals and dress as quickly as possible

  4. From sunglasses to sun hats, try to protect your skin from thunderstorm critters by making it inaccessible. Wear long-sleeved clothing, preferably dark.

Indeed, the thunderstorm animals can spoil your day at the beach, but usually their presence does not last more than a day.