Summertime is full of pests, some more common than others. Ants, mosquitos, and chiggers are some of the most common pests during the summer months. Chigger bites can be particularly itchy and painful.
So, what do chiggers look like and how can you avoid them? They are most commonly found in areas with brush or thicket and high moisture levels, such as near stream banks.
Continue reading this article to find out more about chiggers.
Table of Contents
What do chiggers look like and how can you avoid them?
Chiggers are a type of arachnid that is closely related to spiders. Chiggers are often mistaken for dust or pollen when spotted.
They are a mite type found in many parts of the world but are most prevalent in cooler climates during late spring and early summer. Chigger larvae are parasitic and live in the Trombiculidae family.
They can be identified by their red-colored larvae, which are extremely small and can only be seen with the naked eye. If you see tiny red spots moving across a sidewalk, there is a good chance they are chigger larvae (1/120 to 1/150 of an inch).
In addition, chiggers are tiny red mites that feed on the eggs and larvae of other insects. They go through several molting stages before becoming full-fledged adult chiggers.
Chiggers can be difficult to see with the naked eye, and they often go undetected until they start feeding on human skin. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid them altogether.
Chiggers are avoided by wearing long pants and socks, using insect repellent, and staying away from tall grass and weeds.
When people are enjoying the outdoors in the springtime, they should be aware of chiggers. These creatures like to live at the top of tall grass and later retreat to moist leaf mounds, brush, and shaded areas when conditions become hotter and drier.
If someone is unfortunate enough to get bitten by a chigger, they can expect red welts that look similar to mosquito bites on their skin. The best way to avoid these itchy pests is to remove all clothing and take a hot shower.
Where do chiggers come from?
Chiggers are a type of mite found in the United States. They are more closely related to spiders and ticks than they are to other types of mites. More than 50 different species of chigger bite humans, and they are most commonly found in tall grasses and weeds.
In addition, chigger populations are not limited to any specific environment. They can be found on both manicured lawns and in the wild.
However, the level of infestation will differ depending on the location. Not everyone who stands in the same habitat as chiggers will suffer from an infestation.
How long do chiggers live?
Chiggers are parasitic mites that live in the environment around us. They go through a larval stage, a nymph stage, and an adult stage. The larval stage lasts until the larva successfully quest for a blood meal.
Depending on the climate, insects may reproduce many times, but 2 or 3 generations per year are typical.
Do chiggers bite?
Yes, chiggers bite. The chigger is a parasitic mite that feeds on the blood of mammals, including humans. It has a short pincher and a sharp mouthpiece known as chelicerae, which it uses to puncture the skin of its host.
Chiggers are not bloodsuckers like a mosquito or ticks. They feed by attaching mouthparts to the skin and sucking out cell contents.
Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, chiggers do not burrow under the skin. The feeding process is unique because chiggers stay on the skin’s surface and inject a digestive enzyme that breaks down skin cells. It allows them to ingest the liquefied cells.
What do most chigger bites look like on human skin?
Chigger bites are often mistaken for mosquito or flea bites. Chigger bites are typically red, itchy, and inflamed. They are most commonly found around the ankles, wrists, thighs, groin, and waist.
The mites that cause chigger bites can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but they leave a characteristic trail of tiny black dots on the skin where they have fed.
Chiggers typically feed for up to 3 days before falling off the host, and the itching begins after about 3-6 hours of a bite.
Chiggers inject a digestive enzyme that breaks down your skin cells. It allows them to ingest the cell contents (including blood).
They are quite sensitive to moisture and will seek out protective clothing folds or areas of skin before beginning to feed. It is important to know where they are hiding and take necessary precautions when spending time outdoors.
How to treat chiggers bites: treatment of chigger mite/flea bites and disease
Chigger bites are treated differently, but it is important first to identify that a chigger has bitten you. Chiggers are tiny mites that can cause a lot of itchiness and pain. It is a common mistake to think that chiggers transmit disease, but they don’t. However, they can still cause a lot of discomfort.
You can use antiseptic, over-the-counter medicine, antihistamine, cold compress, and hydrocortisone or calamine lotion to relieve the itchiness. Furthermore, it would help if you avoided hot baths and showers as they will only aggravate the bites.
Chigger bites are a common problem during the summertime. They are red, itchy bumps that can be very uncomfortable. However, they should clear up on their own within a few days. If the bite becomes infected, see a doctor right away.
How to stop the itch bump of chigger bites?
Chiggers are tiny red bugs that can cause a lot of itchiness and irritation. They are often found in tall grass and other vegetation. There are a few things you can do to stop the itch bumps they leave behind:
- Wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. It will help to kill any bugs that are still on them.
- Treat bites with over-the-counter cream or ointment, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Use a topical antihistamine cream to help stop the itching.
How to prevent chigger bites?
There are some simple tips that you can follow to avoid chigger bites:
- To avoid chigger bites, you can use insect repellent that has DEET or wear clothing treated with insecticide.
- You should also avoid exposing yourself to tall grass and brush and check your clothing for chiggers after being in an area where they might be present.
- Insect repellents with oils from citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and eucalyptus may help keep chiggers away.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, with your pant legs tucked into socks. It will help keep the chiggers from getting access to your skin.
- And if you do get bitten by a chigger, wash the area well and apply a topical antihistamine or cortisone cream to help relieve the itching.
How to get rid of chiggers in your yard and home in the best ways?
Chiggers are tiny mites found in many parts of the world. They are most commonly known for their itchy bites, which can often result in a rash. To get rid of chiggers, follow these:
- Chiggers are reduced by eliminating brush and long grass, as they like to live in these areas. It will clean out the mites and keep other animals away that may be attracted to the chigger habitat.
- Another way is to use an outdoor pesticide; however, this can be harmful to pets and children if not used properly.
- Sun exposure will also kill chiggers, so keeping your yard exposed to the sun is a good way to reduce their population.
- Finally, chiggers are most likely to hang out near homes, so taking common-sense precautions can help keep you from getting bitten.
Conclusion
Chiggers are the larvae of harvest mites. Harvest mites are tiny red spiders that live in tall grass and weeds. When they bite, chiggers inject saliva with enzymes that liquefy skin cells, then suck out the liquid. In conclusion, chigger bites are itchy and red.
If you scratch or burn the area, it might become infected. You can avoid chiggers by wearing long pants and sleeves, using insect repellent, and avoiding tall grassy areas.
