Pharmacist Mark Bedford says staying away from dry sand is the best way to avoid being bitten. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times.
Beach lovers beware - there's a menace on the beach, but it's not what you might think.
The bug known as the Mount Mauler is back, and it has been covering its victims in unbearable itchy spots.
Mt Maunganui pharmacist Mark Bedford has taken an interest in the bug after
spending 14 years treating bitten beachgoers.
This summer the sand bug appeared earlier than usual, he said.
"It's already started, which is a bit early. I gather that's more to do with the fact the weather's been good and there's more people on the beach swimming," he said.
The bug - an insect called Phycosecis limbata - often covers its victim in bites from head to toe.
It looks like a translucent maggot and moves at a fast rate over the body.
Bites occur when the bug is in its larval stage, between November and February - when everyone is at the beach.
It lives only in soft sand, so the best way to avoid being bitten on the beach is to sit below the waterline.
Although it's called the Mount Mauler, other Bay beaches are not exempt - Mr Bedford believes the bug is prevalent all along the East Coast.
The bites are not painful or noticeable when they are occurring, but two or three days later, itchy welts appear on the skin.
Mr Bedford is gearing up for more victims of the Mauler - last year he treated at least 20 people a day between Christmas and New Year.
Bites from the Mount Mauler are more than just your average itchy-bite - Mr Bedford describes them as hellish.
"If they get well bitten they are in for a week of hell. They won't sleep for three or four nights."
If you get bitten, the best action is to see a pharmacist for anti-itch cream and antihistamines.
Mr Bedford has referred some cases to a GP so steroid cream can be prescribed.
- APN
