Understanding Chiggers and How to Prevent Their Bites

Quck answer

Chiggers are small, red mites that can cause itchy skin rashes. They attach themselves to humans and animals, where they feed on skin cells. Chiggers do not burrow into the skin, but their bites can be intensely itchy. Treatment for chigger bites includes washing the affected area with soap and water, using calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching, and avoiding scratching the bites to prevent infection. Precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and staying away from tall grass and brush can help prevent chigger bites.

Wild Animals

Protecting Yourself from Chigger Bites

Photo courtesy CDC/M.A. Parsons

Chiggers are tiny and hard to spot, making it difficult to avoid their bites. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your chances of becoming a chigger’s host:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants made of tightly woven fabric to create a barrier between your skin and chiggers. Tuck your pants into your boots to prevent any exposed skin.
• Use insect repellent to keep chiggers away. DEET-based repellents are commonly recommended, while sulfur is also an option but can come with a strong odor. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully and never use flea collars to repel chiggers as they can harm human skin.
• Avoid tall weeds, brush, and heavy undergrowth by staying on marked trails.
• Shower immediately after being in areas that may be infested with chiggers. Use soap to lather your body thoroughly and rinse completely to remove any wandering chiggers before they can bite you.
• Wash any clothing worn in chigger-prone areas in hot, soapy water to kill the chiggers.

Reducing the number of chiggers on your property is also possible. You can test for chiggers by placing a black piece of cardboard or paper in an area suspected of chigger infestation. Chiggers will climb to the top of the paper, which can help you identify and treat the infested areas. Cleaning up overgrown weeds, decaying wood, and other vegetative debris in your yard can also help reduce the chigger population.

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• Exploring the World of Spiders
• The Evolution of Life on Earth
• Understanding Allergies
• The Fascinating World of Honeybees
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• What are Chiggers and How Do They Bite?
• Chiggers: Medical Definition
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• Battling Parasites: Research and Information
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Sources

• Bicknese, Nina. “Chiggers!” MDC Online. (8/30/2007) http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/arthopo/chiggers/
• Caplan, Larry. “Ticks and other Biting Insects.” Purdue University. 5/29/2007 (8/30/2007) http://www.ces.purdue.edu/ces/Vanderburgh/horticulture/extnotes/2005/ticks.htm
• Finke, D.L. et al. “Chiggers.” Maryland Cooperative Extension. (8/30/2007) http://www.hgic.umd.edu/_media/documents/hg79_000.pdf
• Hamman, Phillip J. “Chiggers.” Texas Agricultural Extension Service. (8/30/2007) http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/L-1223.html
• Jones, B.M. “The Sensory Physiology of the Harvest Mite Trombicula Autumnalis Shaw.” University of Edinburgh. http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/reprint/27/3/461.pdf
• Kansas State University. “Pests that Affect Human Health: Chiggers.” (8/30/2007) http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/entml2/MF2107.PDF
• Koehler, P.G. and F. M. Oi. “Chiggers.” University of Florida. (8/30/2007) http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG085
• Lyon, William F. “Chiggers.” Ohio State University. (8/30/2007) http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG085
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Chiggers.” (8/30/2007) http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/ehs/ehschig.shtml
• Ogg, Barb. “Itchy Chiggers!” UNL Extension in Lancaster County. (8/30/2007) http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/chiggers(008).shtml
• Parasitology Research. “Neotrombicula autumnalis.” (8/30/2007) http://parasitology.informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de/login/n/h/0939.html
• Purdue University. “As Chiggers Get Thicker, It’s No Time to Snicker, Says Entomologist.” 7/16/2001 (8/30/2007) http://news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html3month/2001/010716.Gibb.chiggers.html
• Williams, Ralph E. “Chiggers and their Control.” Purdue Department of Entomology. 6/2001 (8/30/2007) http://www.entm.purdue.edu/Entomology/ext/targets/e-series/EseriesPDF/E-34.pdf

FAQ

1. What are chiggers?

Chiggers are small, red mites that belong to the family Trombiculidae. They are commonly found in grassy areas, forests, and gardens.

2. How do chiggers bite?

Chiggers do not actually bite, but they attach themselves to the skin and inject a digestive enzyme that breaks down skin cells. This causes intense itching and irritation.

3. Can chiggers transmit diseases?

No, chiggers are not known to transmit any diseases to humans.

4. How can I prevent chigger bites?

You can prevent chigger bites by wearing long sleeves and pants when walking in grassy areas, using insect repellent, and avoiding sitting or lying on the ground.

5. How do I treat chigger bites?

You can treat chigger bites by washing the affected area with soap and water, applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching, and taking an antihistamine to reduce swelling and inflammation.

6. Do chiggers only bite humans?

No, chiggers can also bite animals such as dogs, cats, and rodents.

7. Where are chiggers most commonly found?

Chiggers are most commonly found in areas with tall grass, weeds, and brush. They are also found in forests and gardens.

8. How long do chigger bites last?

Chigger bites can last for several days to several weeks, depending on the individual’s reaction to the bites.

9. Can I scratch chigger bites?

No, scratching chigger bites can lead to infection and scarring. It is best to avoid scratching and to use remedies such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

10. Are chiggers more active at certain times of the day?

Chiggers are more active during the day when temperatures are warm and humidity is high.

11. How can I get rid of chiggers in my yard?

You can get rid of chiggers in your yard by mowing the grass regularly, removing weeds and brush, and using insecticides labeled for chigger control.