Surf City reopens Beach Access 25 after 24-day flea infestation closure
Surf City reopened Beach Access 25 on Aug. 6 after a 24-day closure caused by a flea infestation and pesticide treatments.
Surf City’s Beach Access 25 is open again after a flea infestation kept the popular coastal entrance closed for 24 days. Town officials said pesticide treatments were successful and the area is safe for visitors, though beachgoers may still encounter insects and wildlife naturally found along the shore.
Key takeaways
- Beach Access 25 reopened Thursday, Aug. 6, after closing July 14.
- The access is located on South Shore Drive, north of Highway 50.
- Officials identified fleas commonly associated with domestic pets, including dogs and cats.
- The town has not determined how the infestation began.
The reopening follows nearly a month of inspections and treatment. Town officials said the access was closed immediately after staff confirmed the presence of fleas, allowing crews to apply pesticides aimed at eliminating the infestation.
Closure followed a confirmed infestation
Surf City received a report of a possible flea problem on July 14. Municipal staff inspected the area, confirmed fleas were present and shut down the access while treatment took place.
The closure was not publicly announced until several days later, according to town information. Officials have not said what caused the fleas to appear at the beach entrance.
Treatments deemed successful
After repeated efforts to address the problem, town officials said conditions had improved enough to reopen the access Thursday afternoon. The town’s assessment was that the pesticide treatments had worked and the area was safe for public use.
The fleas were described as the type typically found on domestic animals such as dogs and cats. No explanation was provided for how they reached the beach access or whether an animal played a role in introducing them.
What visitors should expect
Beach Access 25 is off South Shore Drive, just north of its intersection with Highway 50. Visitors can once again use the entrance to reach the beach, but officials cautioned that normal beach conditions still include insects and wildlife.
The reopening applies to the affected access; the information provided does not indicate that other Surf City beach entrances were part of the closure. Beachgoers should remain aware of their surroundings and follow any posted town guidance while visiting.