Chigger bites are not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. Caused by tiny mites, these bites result in itchy, red welts that can be uncomfortable. While irritating, they do not transmit diseases in North America.
Understanding Chigger Bites
Chiggers are the larval stage of tiny mites, measuring about 0.15 to 0.3 mm. They are commonly found in outdoor areas with tall grass, weeds, wooded environments, and high humidity. When humans or animals pass through infested vegetation, chigger larvae attach to clothing or skin.
Once attached, chiggers do not burrow into the skin or suck blood. Instead, they pierce the skin and inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells. The chigger then feeds on these dissolved cells. This feeding process typically lasts for a few days before the chigger detaches naturally. The bites appear as small, red bumps, often clustered, and cause intense itching, which typically begins several hours after attachment and can peak within 24 to 48 hours.
Why Chigger Bites Are Not Contagious
Chigger bites are not contagious because the irritation is a localized reaction to the digestive enzymes injected by the mite, not an infection that can spread. The mite does not transmit a virus or bacteria that can be passed from person to person. Once the chigger has fed and detached, or is removed, the remaining irritation is solely the body’s immune response to the foreign substance left in the skin.
The itching and redness are the body’s natural defense mechanisms activating, similar to an allergic reaction. The reaction cannot spread to other individuals through casual contact. The mites do not live on human skin for extended periods, typically falling off within a day or two due to scratching or after completing their feeding.
Preventing Chigger Bites
Preventing chigger bites involves taking precautions when in chigger-prone areas. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots, can minimize exposed skin. Loose-fitting, tightly woven fabrics offer better protection by reducing the chance of chiggers moving through the material.
Applying insect repellents containing DEET to exposed skin or permethrin to clothing can also deter chiggers. Permethrin-treated clothing can offer long-lasting protection even after several washes. After spending time outdoors, showering with soap and water soon after returning can help wash off any unattached chiggers. Washing clothes in hot water can eliminate any chiggers that may still be present on the fabric.