'Thousands Of Weevils' Blowing Around On Local Beach

MASTIC BEACH, NY — One resident who headed out to Smith Point County Park in Shirley got more than they bargained for on Friday.

"Be sure to bring your bug spray if you have beach plans today," said a post on the Long Island Economy Facebook page.

According to the post, a video from Casey Morse showed "thousands of ticks being blown on the outer beach of Smith Point."

Some readers disputed the tick claim, saying the bugs were too big to be ticks. And it turns out, they weren't ticks at all, according to Suffolk County Vector Control, who pointed out that the "harmless insects known as weevils, a type of beetle. Further, our beaches are safe for the public."

Patch originally reported that the insects were believed to be ticks but Suffolk County Communications Director Jason Elan pointed out that they were actually the harmless weevils.

Patch file photo, courtesy video.