Birdwatching, Costa Blanca
Birdwatching Costa Blanca, Urban Birding in Benidorm by James Common
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Birdwatching, Costa Blanca - November 14th 2015
So contrary to expectations, I managed to survive a week in Benidorm! Such places, jam packed with people, loud music and twenty-four hour nightclubs are not usually my first choice of holiday destinations, mainly because they often lack wildlife. This week found me pleasantly surprised however and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain. Sadly I was unable to venture out of the city during the week though this was of little importance with a great line-up of birds, butterflies and other beasties to enjoy. Urban birding has it’s perks it seems!
Starting out as ever with the feathered things and with 51 species noted amid the glaring lights and constant music I find myself unable to complain! First up the seafront and a few visits here provided a few goodies though I did receive a few odd looks prowling around, bins in toe amid the thousands of sunbathing British Grandmothers. Here Black-Headed Gull and Yellow-Legged Gull were numerous. The latter proving particularly confiding. Two tern species were also picked up though the second, a rather dainty looking bird remains unidentified due to poor views. Drat. Still, the Sandwich Terns here but on a fine show, as did the numerous Shags that fished behind the breakers. Both Little Egret & Grey Heron stalked the rocky areas here and Common Swift and Barn Swallow were picked up hawking above the beach. On a few occasions fishing boats passed by with a escort of rather nimble looking gulls, Auduoin’s perhaps but I will never know. Elsewhere the only other things to be seen along the coast comprised stacks of Feral Pigeons and an all to brief Peregrine which shot through in pursuit of one rather unlucky dove.
Birdwatching, Costa Blanca
Moving on, Benidorm surprised me, showcasing a number of “green areas” within the city itself. Most of my outings during the week focused on these areas and thankfully I was rewarded with a number of great birds. One of the highlights here was a delightful Hoopoe though this was followed closely by Firecrest and Sardinian Warbler, both of which were extremely numerous! The various stands of pine that held the aforementioned crests were also jam-packed with Goldcrest, Great Tit, Chiffchaff and Blackcap though good numbers of Common Crossbill were a tad more interesting. I did manage glimpse an “unknown warbler” here during one of my morning excursions though it quickly disappeared never to be seen again. Based on the overall shape, colour and rather thick bill I feel confident angling towards Melodious Warbler though as ever, when unsure, no ID was made. Black Redstarts were prolific here with over 100 seen during my stay, outnumbered only by Benidorm’s Feral pigeons! I am used to seeing these birds in ones or twos, often while freezing on the Northumberland coastline so these proved particularly enjoyable!
A few jaunts to building sites and various other wasteland sites produced yet more familiar British birds including Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Meadow Pipit, Common Starling, Collared Dove, and Woodpigeon alongside the more noteworthy additions of White Wagtail, Serin and yet more Black Redstarts. Serin was a much sought after lifer for me prior to this trip and these colourful little finches did not disappoint. Notes taken, I now stand ready to unearth one of these in the UK in the future.. I can dream can’t I? Also here a number of Spotless Starling were seen though these proved rather timid.
Birdwatching, Costa Blanca
Benidorm is thankfully surrounded by some rather pleasant mountains and the suburban fringe where city meets sand provided an exciting change of scenery. The undisputed highlight here (and perhaps of the whole holiday) was the numerous Crag Martins zipping too and throw overhead. At least 45 of these birds were seen together at one point and made for quite a show, providing another nice lifer in the process. With them a few more interesting species including some very noisy Dartford Warblers, Raven, Stonechat, Blackbird & Song Thrush. The same area also provided the trips only Long-Tailed Tits on top of more Firecrest, Sardinian Warbler and you guessed it, Black Redstarts. On one early excursion I found the place virtually empty and opted for a quick dip in the sea in a rather secluded cove. Here various tropical fish, sea cucumbers and odd looking crabs made for a memorable encounter and another Peregrine graced me with its presence as I attempted to haul myself out of the sea upon realising a line of German tourists had assembled behind me with cameras! So much for being alone.
Heading back to Alicante airport on Friday, two Iberian Grey Shrikes and a Green Woodpecker provided nice views, the former giving me my final lifer of the trip. Not bad at all though birds were not all to be seen in and around Benidorm.
Butterflies proved a mainstay of my week with the highlight a glorious Scarce Swallowtail (shown left) which at one point decided to use me as a perch! Clouded Yellows were numerous here, as were both Large & Small White while a few equally familiar species were observed including Wall, Painted Lady & Red Admiral. Aside from the Swallowtail the only other new species comprised a good number of Long-Tailed Blues scattered along the coastline. A real energetic gem of a butterfly and one that proved incredibly hard to photograph! My best attempt is shown below. Butterflies aside lots of interesting (and in some cases rather large) Grasshoppers also proved entertaining and a whopping great spider was revealed to be Araneus angulatus, a rather large and fearsome relative of the Garden Spider and one that is rather scarce in the UK. This one had made a meal of an unfortunate Clouded Yellow.
So as you can see, there is far more to Benidorm than just sex and Sangria! The week proved most enjoyable though now that I am back in the real world I should get back to the arduous process of conservation based job seeking *sigh*
Birdwatching, Costa Blanca November 20th 2017
Another week, another adventure, this time to the tourist hotspot and renowned centre of debauchery that is Benidorm. A location I first visited on a family getaway two years ago that, much to my surprise, I found to be a rather fantastic spot for some urban wildlife watching. Well, fast forward a couple of years and this past week, once again, I found myself pacing the cities sunny outskirts, hectic streets and forgotten areas in search of some of the party destinations less conspicuous inhabitants. Between festival activities, that is – this was not a birding holiday per say.
Staying in the Belroy Hotel, my first encounter came on our first day when, at dusk, the characteristic call of wagtails was heard from our balcony. Scanning the adjacent rooftops, it soon became apparent that the opposing hotel was favoured by the local White Wagtails as a roost site; with upwards of 100 birds arriving in loose flocks during the proceeding hour. A spectacle which, much to my delight, repeated each and every night during our stay.
Early morning watches from the comfort of the balcony saw the wagtails long gone – the monochrome ones rising far earlier that I – though that same rooftop later yielded Spotless Staring, Black Redstart and my first Blue Rock Thrush of the trip – a rather pristine male. Not to mention the many Crag Martins elegantly traversing the skies at eye-level with my makeshift viewpoint, accompanied on occasion by the odd Pallid Swift.
Venturing out into the streets before the inevitable rise of my fellow Britons proved worthwhile; the roadside palms and plain trees chiming with the merry twittering of Serin and Goldfinch and, of course, the familiar chirrup of the cities many House Sparrows. It was the larger gardens and scant parks that yielded the greatest reward, however, with one particular visit to a nearby skatepark producing 13 Sardinian Warbler (the first of many seen throughout the trip), Long-tailed Tit, Firecrest and, best of all, Crested Tit. The experience here amplified by a hovering Kestrel and a handful of Little Egrets passing overhead at first light.
Perhaps the best birding of the trip was had amid the more luxurious villas located along the cities boundary with Serra Gelada National Park to the west. Here, the cherry on top of an outing on the second day came in the form of a stunning, and very confiding, male Black Wheatear; though a surprise Short-eared Owl came a close second. Indeed, I had no idea this species could be seen here, and seeing one quartering above Mediterranean coastal shrubbery was a far cry from the windswept moors of Northern England or the Scottish Highlands. Similarly, a covey of five Red-legged Partridge here was also nice to see – a familiar species in the UK, yes, but one I had not yet seen in their natural environment.
Birdwatching, Costa Blanca Red-Legged Partridge – Benidorm
The fringes of Serra Gelada were the focus of much of my birding exploits during the week: with two more Black Wheatear seen during my last visit, alongside a trip-tick Dartford Warbler, two Raven and a further four Blue Rock Thrush. Not to mention countless more Black Redstart, Sardinian Warbler, Crag Marten and Firecrest and a few more familiar additions to the weeks tally: Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Linnet and Robin. A flyover large raptor here, far too distant to properly scrutinise, providing a tantalising hint of things to come upon a brief outing on the bus to nearby Calpe.
Having heard much of Calpe before our trip, it was only fitting that myself and Matt set some time aside for a proper outing before we were forced to head home. We did this on the third day; arriving at the inner-city Salt Lake early in the morning and immediately finding ourselves greeted by 47 Greater Flamingos feeding contently by the roadside. A first for me, having never before seen this species in the wild, and a queer sight to behold, in truth. Flamingos with a backdrop of high-rise accommodation and passing traffic, not something I had thought to see anytime soon. Also here, a number of Shelduck, Cattle Egret and Moorhen provided new additions to the growing trip list and a passing birder was kind enough to draw our attention to an overhead Booted Eagle – another lifer. What a bird!
Greater Flamingo – Calpe
The real highlight of our stay at Calpe, however, came in the form of a lone gull sitting alone towards the Northern shore – far removed from the squabbling hoards of Yellow-legged and Black-headed Gulls amassed in the interior of the lake. Drawing closer, the identity of the pristine-looking bird soon became clear: Auduoin’s Gull – perhaps my most hoped for target of the trip and, by all accounts, a splendid bird to behold. The gull was enjoyed until our busy schedule forced us to depart for a whistle-stop tour of the Pobla de Ifac, where another male Blue Rock Thrush was the highlight of a decent cast of more familiar species. Including the ONLY Great Tit seen throughout the entire trip.
Audouin’s Gull – Calpe
Back in Benidorm, our final ventures of the week saw us add Iberian Green Woodpecker to the trip-list; while a single Crested Lark was unearthed on a local building site. Taking a much more touristy trip to Benidorm Island, it was similarly great to immerse ourselves in the resident Yellow-legged Gull colony; while the short boat voyage to our destination provided sightings of Shag, Greater Cormorant and Sandwich Tern.
A brief mention should be given to Benidorm´s non-avian inhabitants that also amused throughout the week. With butterfly sightings including Swallowtail, Clouded Yellow, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Wall, Long-tailed Blue and Lang’s Short-tailed Blue, there was plenty to look at on this front. A notable bonus coming in the form of my first ever Silver-striped Hawkmoth (pictured below) found hiding in the shade cast by a local supermarket.
Silver-striped Hawkmoth – Benidorm
Lang’s Short-tailed Blue – Benidorm
Greater Flamingos against an urban skyline
FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE LOCAL WILDLIFE HERE
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Jellyfish Safety on the Costa Blanca
Jellyfish are a common sight along the Mediterranean coast, especially during the summer months. While many species are harmless, others can give painful stings, making jellyfish safety an important part of beach life on the Costa Blanca.
Climate change and warmer waters mean jellyfish numbers are increasing. Although they usually live far from shore, wind, tides, and currents can bring them close to bathing areas, where encounters with swimmers are more likely.
What Are Jellyfish?
Jellyfish have been drifting through our oceans for millions of years, long before dinosaurs. They can be found in cold and warm waters, shallow bays, and deep seas. Some are transparent, while others shine in bright colours like purple, pink, or yellow. A few species even glow in the dark thanks to bioluminescence.
They often move in swarms, making them easier to spot — but also harder to avoid when swimming near the shore.
Information about Beaches in Benidorm and The best Beaches on the Costa Blanca
Why Do Jellyfish Appear Near Beaches?
The number of jellyfish along the coast varies from year to year. Factors such as warm winters, dry springs, sea currents, and winds all play a role. Less freshwater flowing from rivers also increases sea salinity, which encourages jellyfish to approach the coast.
This is why beachgoers sometimes see warning flags raised during the summer, or even temporary beach closures if dangerous species are detected.
Jellyfish Safety App: Medusapp
To help keep swimmers safe, there’s a free app called Medusapp.
🔹 It allows beachgoers to report jellyfish sightings in real time.
🔹 The app shares a live map showing where jellyfish have been spotted.
🔹 Users can send photos of jellyfish or report stings.
🔹 It includes a first-aid guide with step-by-step instructions for treating jellyfish stings.
👉 Available in English for both Android and iOS, and works offline. More info: https://medusapp.net/
Medusapp logo
Common Jellyfish in the Mediterranean
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Mauve Stinger (Pelagia noctiluca): Small, purple, and glowing at night. Its sting is painful and can cause redness, rash, or swelling. Arrives in June.
- Fried Egg Jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata): Yellow and white, shaped like a fried egg. Mostly harmless, mild stings only. Appears July–November.
- Purple Sailor (Velella velella): Tiny, floating colonies with a sail. Completely harmless.
- Portuguese Man-of-War: Not a true jellyfish, but extremely dangerous. Its venom can cause severe pain and, in rare cases, serious health issues.
Jellyfish Safety: What to Do If You’re Stung
⚠️ Even dead jellyfish can sting, so never touch them.
If stung:
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Leave the water calmly.
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Ask a lifeguard for help if available.
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Remove tentacles with a plastic card or tweezers – not your hands.
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Rinse with seawater (never freshwater).
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Apply vinegar (for some species) or baking soda paste.
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Use ice packs or hot water to reduce pain.
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Apply anti-itch or pain-relief cream if needed.
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Seek medical help if symptoms are severe (difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, allergic reaction).
🚫 Myth buster: Urinating on a sting does not help — it can make it worse.
💬 Have you ever had a run-in with jellyfish on the Costa Blanca?
Scroll down and share your experience in the comments — your story might help someone else stay safe!
Extra Jellyfish Safety Tips
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Watch the lifeguard flag system. A purple flag means dangerous marine life is present.
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Avoid swimming if jellyfish have been spotted nearby.
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Protect your skin with Safe Sea jellyfish repellent cream, available in Spanish pharmacies and online.
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Stay alert after storms or strong winds, when jellyfish are more likely to wash ashore.
Final Thoughts on Jellyfish Safety
Jellyfish are fascinating creatures, but their stings can ruin a day at the beach. By following basic jellyfish safety rules, checking apps like Medusapp, and respecting lifeguard warnings, you can enjoy the Mediterranean safely.
Stay alert, swim smart, and enjoy the sea without unwanted surprises. 🌊
Jellyfish Safety FAQ
Are jellyfish dangerous in Spain?
Most jellyfish in Spain are harmless or cause only mild stings. However, species like the Mauve Stinger and the Portuguese Man-of-War can cause painful stings and sometimes more serious reactions. Always check lifeguard warnings.
What flag means jellyfish are present on beaches?
A purple flag indicates dangerous marine life, including jellyfish. If this flag is flying, it’s safest to stay out of the water.
When are jellyfish most common in the Mediterranean?
Jellyfish appear mainly from June to September, when warmer waters attract them closer to shore. Some species, like the Fried Egg Jellyfish, can be seen into late autumn.
What should I do if I get stung by a jellyfish?
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Exit the water calmly.
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Rinse the sting with seawater (never fresh water).
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Remove tentacles carefully with tweezers or a card.
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Apply vinegar or a baking soda paste depending on the species.
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Use hot water or ice packs to relieve pain.
Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Is it safe to touch dead jellyfish on the beach?
No. Even after death, jellyfish tentacles can still release venom if touched. Avoid handling them.
Is there a way to prevent jellyfish stings?
Yes. You can buy a special lotion called Safe Sea, available in Spanish pharmacies. It works like a protective barrier and is popular among long-distance swimmers.
How can I check for jellyfish before going to the beach?
Download the free Medusapp, which shows real-time reports of jellyfish sightings along the coast.
Discover the Marine Life of the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca, with its 200 km stretch of stunning Mediterranean coast, is a marine paradise for snorkelers, divers, and nature lovers alike. Beneath the waves lies a world teeming with biodiversity.
🌊 Have Your Say!
Have you ever been stung by a jellyfish while swimming on the Costa Blanca? 🪼
What was your experience like, and how did you treat it? Share your stories, tips, or remedies in the comments section below – your advice could help other beach lovers stay safe!
Dangerous Insects and Reptiles in Spain
Dangerous insects and Reptiles in Spain - As in every country there are literally 1000´s of different species of insects and reptiles, most are not dangerous to humans but some can be. The insects and reptiles listed on this page can be dangerous to humans and/or animals.
For non dangerous creepy crawlies (insects and reptiles) check out this page
What’s the Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous?
According to biologists, the term venomous is applied to organisms that bite (or sting) to inject their toxins, whereas the term poisonous applies to organisms that unload toxins via touch or other routes, both are obviously "Dangerous"
Bees, Hornets and Wasps etc
Asian predatory wasp or hornet (Vespa velutina)
These nasty hornets entered Spain in 2010 The 'Vespa velutina' is an invasive species from Asia, specifically from northern India and China. The velutina does not pose more danger to humans than that of the native species but cases of allergic reactions to velutin stings have increased significantly in recent years.
Asian wasps measure 3 centimeters. They are as big as a euro.
The sting from any of these insects can be very painful and deadly if you have an allergic reaction.
Try to withdraw the sting immediately but do not use tweezers because squeezing or pressing the sting can inject more poison into the skin.
It is recommended that you scratch off the sting with your fingernail, a knife or the edge of a credit card. Normal reaction to a sting is pain, itching and swelling of the injured area but these symptoms will pass off within hours.
Treatment: Clean the injured area and bathe with cold water.
Warning: Some people are severely sensitive to insect venom and can suffer respiratory and cardiac problems. If a person who has been stung shows signs of wheezing, breathing difficulties and/or facial swelling or has a rapid pulse, it is a sign that he/she has an allergy.
Do not delay: Call an ambulance or get to a hospital casualty department immediately. An allergy to such a sting can be life threatening. Call 112 in case of emergency.
Dangerous insects and reptiles in Spain
PROCESSIONARY PINE CATERPILLARS
These Caterpillars (Thaumetopoea Pityocampa) may look cute and furry, but they are very DANGEROUS to children and especially dogs. DO NOT TOUCH THEM.
These are one of the most dangerous natural enemies to dogs and can be found all over Spain. Some have even made their way to parts of the UK:
The processionary pine caterpillar as the name suggests makes its home in a certain type of pine tree., damaging the trees over a period of time. These trees are very popular here in Spain and are a protected species so even if you have pine trees in the garden you cannot cut them down.
There is only one generation per year and most of the time the caterpillars are not seen and therefore not a threat. Read more HERE
Mosquitos
Europe was rife with malaria until the middle of the 20th century but Spain made great efforts to clear its wetlands where the problem was endemic and in 1964 malaria was declared to be eradicated from the country.
Asian Tiger Mosquito
The tiger mosquito has begun to spread through the interior of the province
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a small black and white mosquito, about 1/4-inch long. The name "tiger mosquito" comes from its white and black pattern. It has a white stripe running down the center of its head and back with white bands on the legs. Unfortunately this mosquito can now be found in Spain.
The bite of the Asian tiger mosquito is not particularly irritating to most people, but they are persistent biters. The main difference between these and a normal mosquito is Asian tiger mosquito are active during the day.
Mosquito bites aren’t just a painful nuisance, they can pass on serious diseases to both humans and animals. Read more about Mosquitos HERE
Biting Midges – No-See-Ums
At certain times of the year these bites are inflicted by a very small black fly. This fly is part of the Ceratopogonidae family, and due to their small size are commonly known as NO-SEE-UMS. The common problem upon experiencing a bite from this insect is that you can feel something is biting, but the person suffering cannot see what it is. Biting midges are sometimes incorrectly referred to as sand flies. Sand flies are insects that belong to a different biological group and should not be confused with the biting midges. Read more HERE
Centipedes
Centipedes are generally considered to be more of a nuisance than a nasty, unless you have an allergy to their venom. They can give a sting, unpleasant but not dangerous, however all centipedes should be considered hazardous just in case you are one of the unfortunates who have the allergy.
Mediterranean Tiger Centipede – Escolopendra tigra
Found throughout Southern Spain and North Africa. The Mediterranean Tiger centipede is largest in Europe and can grow up to 150mm in length. The centipede’s markings change, depending on location.
Generally they are yellow with black stripes, hence the name tiger. Nocturnal and venomous; they can give a nasty bite. Rarely lethal, unless allergic to the venom, their stings are none-the-less extremely painful and require medical assistance. They have been given a toxic rating of two.
Dangerous insects and reptiles in Spain
Scorpions
Mediterranean Scorpion (Buthus Occitanus - Escorpion Amarillo)
The most common scorpion in Spain is the Mediterranean scorpion (Buthus occitanus, escorpión amarillo or just alacrán) it can give you an extremely nasty sting. You might want to think about wearing boots and thick socks if you plan to hike in dry rocky areas (most of wild Spain) as they are by no means rare. The females will eat the males if food is short on the ground.
The European black scorpion is also present in Spain, preferring more northerly and wetter areas. It's sting is short-lived. Scorpions like resting in your shoes, so give them a shake before putting your feet in.
Dangerous insects and reptiles in Spain
Spiders
There are more than 1,700 species of spider in Spain but only four are in way harmful to humans.
Mediterranean Tarantulas
A spider with a look that is worse than the bite. A Mediterranean Tarantula can be up to 14cms with a body the size of an egg. The bite gives you pain, but the effect is not worse than a wasp sting. Greater discomfort can be caused if removing the bristles on the back when it is threatened. This gives the same feeling as when you get fiberglass strands on your skin and can irritate for days. The spider is a night hunter, so it is unlikely that you will see it unless you love hiking at nighttime.
Mediterranean Funnel Web spider
This spider is linked to their lethal cousins in Australia and especially in Sydney. Mediterranean funnel web spider looks impressive and staying in typical funnel-shaped net. The bite is causing a sting instead of a serious bite. Look for them or avoid them in the thickets and woods or a shady spot behind the sheds, together with garages or in hedges. Active all year during the day and night and is one of the most common spiders along the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal areas.
Black Widow Spider
(Latrodectus Tredecimguttatus) is the most widely distributed species in Europe and is the most dangerous spider in Spain giving a nasty bite but not fatal. Whilst they are rare, it is said to be commonest in the arid parts of Almeria and Aragon and also in the Valencia and Andalucian regions. They are found in scrub and in Spain’s mild climate and is active all year round but are more likely to be seen during the mating season. The adult female is shiny and black with a red hourglass-shaped mark on the belly. The male’s brand, which is also hourglass-shaped, from yellow to white with a varying shade of orange and red. It also carries a small dot near the spinning gland which can vary in color. Usually it is also red but separated from the hourglass. A large female spider of this subspecies can be about 3.7 cm long including legs. The body is then approximately 1.2-1.5 cm, while the male is at most half as large as the female.
Brown Recluse Spiders
(Loxosceles Reclusa) are found in parts of Spain but are less virulent than in other parts of the world and is not lethal. Bites from this spider cause a tender blister to develop, characteristically with a “bull’s eye” appearance (a red centre). At the time a person is bitten, it is often hardly noticeable, and it can be several hours before the venom to takes effect. Then, it is very painful.
Symptoms of a spider bite
If you are bitten: Always try to kill the spider and keep the body. This helps the doctor to identify which spider anti venom is needed for treatment.
Using images alone, it can be difficult to distinguish a spider bite from other insects. To receive the proper treatment, it is important to recognize the symptoms of a spider bite.
1. Before you can examine it, it is important to wash the wound with soap and water. This will make identification bite much easier.
2. Check to see if the bite is raised. A common symptom of spider bite is that the skin becomes irritated and raised. It may look like a blister and will probably itch or sting. If the bite diminishes or disappears, it is probably a common house spider or other insect.
3. If you experience nausea, headache, severe skin damage, a lot of pain, or muscle spasms. Is this the signs and symptoms of a serious spider bite and you should see a doctor immediately.
Seeing a spider bite, it is important that you get antivenom that you get at most pharmacies, hospitals and among physicians in Spain. It is recommended to kill the spider and take it with you for identification.
Treatment: Do not ignore bites. Always get medical attention as early as possible.
Dangerous insects and reptiles in Spain
Ticks
Ticks are small, blood-sucking bugs. They can range in size from as small as a pin head to as large as a pencil eraser they have eight legs and are classed as arachnids, which means they’re related to spiders. There are different kinds of ticks and they range in colour from shades of brown to reddish brown and black.
Ticks are prevalent in Spain and they can transmit nasty diseases to your pet such as canine Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. They can cause dogs and cats incurable damage which incurs lifelong administration of drugs. There is as yet no known cure.
As they take in more blood, ticks grow. At their largest, ticks can be about the size of a marble. After a tick has been feeding on its host for several days, they become engorged and can turn a greenish-blue colour.
How to remove a tick
The most important thing to do when you find a tick is to remove it. You can remove the tick yourself with a tick removal tool or with a set of tweezers.
Follow these steps: Grasp the tick as close as you can to your skin’s surface.
Pull straight up and away from the skin, applying steady pressure. Try not to bend or twist the tick.
Check the bite site to see if you left any of the tick’s head or mouth parts in the bite. If so, remove those.
Clean the bite site with soap and water.
Once you’ve removed the tick, submerge it in rubbing alcohol to make sure it’s dead. Place it in a sealed container.
This also seems to work Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20); the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away
If you find one on your pet, it is suggested that the tick should be doused with alcohol or spirit. This makes the tick contract and allows you to pull it out whole. Leaving a portion of the tick inside the dog/cat is likely to cause an abscess.
Prevention and Treatment for your pets: Various forms of prevention are available such as special collars against Sand fly, this will not also protect against Ticks and wearing Anti Tick and Sand Fly collars together is detrimental to the dog’s health, you can also protect your pets with anti tick drops which do not react against the chemicals in the collar. These drops are easily placed around the pet’s neck.
If ignored, in exceptional cases, tick fever can be fatal to the animal. It is most important that you are advised by a qualified vet.
For humans tick bites are usually harmless and may produce no symptoms. However, if you’re allergic to tick bites, you may experience: Pain or swelling at the bite site, a rash, a burning sensation at the bite site, blisters, difficulty breathing, if severe.
Some ticks carry diseases, which can be passed on when they bite. Tick-borne diseases can cause a variety of symptoms and usually develop within several days to a few weeks after a tick bite. Potential symptoms of tick-borne diseases include: a red spot or rash near the bite site, a full body rash, neck stiffness, headache, nausea, weakness, muscle or joint pain or achiness, a fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes
Be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible if bitten by a tick and you have any of the symptoms above.
Sand Flies (Leishmaniasis)
Your Pet Dog needs protection, otherwise it can be in serious danger
Dogs that regularly travel abroad may be exposed to Leishmaniasis (also known as Kala-Azar) which is carried from dog-to-dog by a bite from a Sand Fly.
The name 'Sand Fly' is misleading as the Sand Fly's natural habitat is in wooded and garden areas.
Dogs can be bitten up to 100 times an hour during the sand fly season which begins in May and ends in October. August is the worst month. The flies are mainly active between dusk and dawn. Early morning, 2 to 4am, is the worst period. They are not high flyers so your dog is better off in an upper room or flat at night. Fitting a preventative collar will protect your pet from approximately 95% of sand flies bites for the whole season. Dogs left out in the garden as security guards are particularly at risk.
It is thought that there may be very rare suspected cases of the disease being passed to humans; this is currently being research by the World Health Authority.
Prevention: The best preventative treatment up to now is , "INTERVET" based on mosquito repellents It is impregnated into a very effective collar called "SCALIBOR"
Please note, this collar lasts for one season only and needs replacing each May. Do not let children play with the collar, we have also found the smell somewhat unpleasant.
See your Vet about a collar before you travel to Spain. Mosquito repellents, sprays and some mosquito nets etc help to keep them out of the house. These flies are very tiny.
Things that the owner can do to prevent are:
Keep the dog inside the house when the sun starts to set, and keep toilet breaks short before bedtime.
Don't give night walks where water runs
Use of mosquito nets to keep flies out of the house.
Stinging Ants (Myrmica rubra laevinoides - hormiga roja chica)
This is, I believe, the only species of poisonous ant but whilst its bite is unpleasant it is said to be not serious unless you have an allergic reaction in which case call 112.
Dangerous insects and reptiles in Spain
Snakes - Pretty much all the snakes are protected by law in Spain, so don't even think about harming one.
In Spain there is 13 different types of snakes, but only five of these have venom that is fatal to humans. The most dangerous period is in the spring and summer as they hide during the cooler months of fall and winter.
Asp Viper
A very venomous snake in the cobra family where the venom from a bite can lead to cardiac arrest and death. There are not many in Spain, and is believed to be limited to the Pyrenees. If you are bitten by this poisonous snake, seek medical attention immediately.
Lataste´s Viper or the Snub-nosed Viper
Lataste’s Viper is present in the Spanish peninsula. It is gray and short (around 50cm) and is characterized by its triangular head and a zigzag pattern on the back. It lives in dry, rocky areas. Be especially careful when collecting firewood and do not put your fingers in holes or cracks as this is where the snake can be found.
Seoane’s Viper
This snake is dangerous. It lives in Galicia, Leon, Biscay coastal strip (Cornisa Cantábrica) and Basque.
Montpellier Snake, Malpolon monspessulanus - More dangerous to animals than humans.
Commonly found throughout the Mediterranean and usually in dry rocky or scrubland areas, they can grow up to 2.00 metres (7 ft) long and may weigh up to 1.5 kilograms (3 lb). They have a thick body which in adults is a dark grey/green with the underside being lighter and often yellowish with darker marks, they have large eyes with round pupils surrounded by clearly visible rims, which makes them look more threatening than they are. They are generally active during the day and feed on small lizards.
The unthreatening nature of the snake, has made it one of the more common species, even in areas occupied by humans. This species is classed as mildly venomous to humans, but as its fangs are fixed and set at the back of the mouth it is unlikely to cause problems. In the unlikely event of being bitten the result would be extremely painful but not dangerous for most individuals. A bite could result in stiffness and swelling where bitten and a state of general lethargy and weakness and a severe headache, this may last a day or two.
If you are bitten by a snake, remain calm and seek medical attention immediately. Bites only occur in the spring and summer as snakes hibernate. Of the estimated 50 snakebite deaths a year in Europe, only 3-6 occur in Spain, so don't worry too much. More people die from bee and wasp stings.
Dangerous Creepy Crawlies in Spain
Fire Salamanders
(Salamandra salamandra)
Very distinctive don’t get to close to this creature, it can discharge poison.
The poison glands of the fire salamander are concentrated in certain areas of the body, especially around the head and the dorsal skin surface. The coloured portions of the animal's skin usually coincide with these glands.
Jellyfish, vary in both harmful and harmless varieties, and are a very common sight along our local coastlines.
Dolphins and Whales on the Costa Blanca
Dolphins and Whales on the Costa Blanca - The most recommended place to spot dolphins and whales in the Comunitat Valenciana is, Cabo de San Antonio, which is located between Jávea and Dénia. Each year sightings of bottlenose dolphins and fin whales increase; There are also regular sightings in and around the Sierra Gelada/helada Natural Park area.
The Bottlenose dolphin is one of the most common dolphin species. They measure between 1 and 4 meters, weigh from 100 to 300 kg and can swim at about 35 km/h. They are intelligent and sociable animals, who travel in groups.
Photo taken 5th May 2020 from the Sierra Helada
Like the name “bottlenose” suggests, this species of dolphin has a short, stubby beak. Its sleek, conical body varies in colour from a light to slate grey on the upper body to a pale to pinkish grey on the bottom part. They are very social animals and generally swim in groups (called pods) of 10-25. Offshore, they have been seen in larger groups of several hundred. These large groups are called herds. Like all dolphins they like to play within their groups, they love to surf on waves near shore and ride waves caused by boats.
Photo taken 5th May 2020, just off the coast of Altea
We also get fin whales also known as the common rorqual whale in the area, these are the second largest species of whale in the world and can measure up to 24 meters and weigh more than 80 tons, these usually swim in deep waters about 20 miles out but are also being seen closer to shore in the Denia area, where sometimes they can be spotted from the mainland.
The finback whale feeds on krill, small fish and crustaceans, by opening its jaw and swallowing with it a colossal 70m3 of water, and can eat as much as 1,800kg per day. The common rorqual is currently classified as an endangered species.
There have also been recent sightings of both dolphins and fin whales around the Island of Tabarca and in the Torrevieja area.
It wonderful to see these incredible animals swimming in their natural habitat.
The best time to spot them is during the migration season (spring and summer months), when they swim from the Ligurian coasts to the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.
Dolphins and Whales, Costa Blanca
Creepy Crawlies in Spain (Non-Dangerous) 🐞 From lizards to locusts, Spain is home to a wide range of non-dangerous insects and reptiles. While some might look intimidating, most are harmless and even beneficial to the ecosystem — or your garden!
🧪 NOTE: For a guide to dangerous creepy crawlies in Spain. CLICK HERE
🪳 Cockroaches
Yes, they're creepy — but not dangerous (unless you're allergic).
Cockroaches are common in warm climates and can be found in the cleanest of homes. Spain is no exception.
🔍 Interesting Facts:
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There are over 4,000 species of cockroach worldwide.
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A new species, the Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis), was recently spotted in Spain (March 2023).
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Cockroaches are cannibals, can hold their breath for 40 minutes, and survive underwater for 30 minutes.
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Despite the myth, they can’t survive a nuclear explosion, but they can handle more radiation than humans.
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Their shed skin, saliva, and droppings can trigger asthma and allergies.
Cicadas
If you've visited Spain in summer, you’ve likely heard the buzzing song of cicadas.
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These insects are completely harmless.
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Their noise is actually a mating call, made by males using a structure called a tymbal.
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Some cicadas can be heard from over a mile away!
Palm Weevil
Not harmful to humans — but deadly to palm trees.
The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a large reddish-brown beetle known for damaging palm trees from the inside out. Authorities are actively working to contain them.
🦗 Grasshoppers, Crickets & Locusts
Common summer insects in Spain. Harmless to humans, but loud!
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Grasshoppers: Noisy during the day, short antennae, good fliers and jumpers.
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Crickets: Noisy at night, long antennae, usually don’t fly.
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Both use stridulation (rubbing body parts together) to produce sound and attract mates.
Praying Mantis
These fascinating creatures may look like little monsters, but they don’t bite or carry disease.
⚠️ Be cautious when handling — their forelegs can pinch.
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Commonly seen in late summer and autumn
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Yes, the female eats the male after mating — nature is wild!
Creepy Crawlies in Spain, non dangerous
🐍 Harmless Snakes
You won’t see these in Benidorm’s town centre, but snakes are part of Spain’s diverse wildlife. Nearly all are protected by law and pose no threat to humans.
🐍 Common harmless snakes in Spain:
Grass Snake (Natrix natrix): Green/brown with a yellow ring behind the head
Ladder Snake (Rhinechis scalaris): Feeds on insects and small mammals
False Smooth Snake: Mildly venomous to small prey, harmless to humans
🦎 Lizards & Geckos
Spain is home to around 16 species of lizards. Most are harmless and great for pest control.
Common species include:
Moorish Gecko & Turkish Gecko: Often found on walls, chasing insects
Ocellated Lizard: Large, green with blue spots — can grow over 20 inches
Large Psammodromus: Small, fast-moving lizard found in scrub and forest
Spiny-Footed Lizard: Recognisable by its "eyebrow" look and long tail
🦎 Fun to watch and usually active during warm daylight hours.
For info on dangerous creepy crawlies in Spain, click HERE
💬 Have you ever come across any of these creepy crawlies in Spain?
We’d love to hear your stories — funny, fascinating, or just a little freaky!
👉 Share your experiences in the comments below.