Chiggers are tiny, nearly invisible mites that cause intensely itchy bites. Many wonder if these small arachnids are present in Colorado. While often associated with more humid, southeastern U.S. regions, chiggers are indeed found in certain areas of Colorado. This makes it important to understand their habitats and how to manage encounters.
Chiggers in Colorado
Chiggers are larval mites that inhabit various natural environments. In Colorado, they are found in localized natural areas, particularly in lush, grassy areas near waterways. These mites can be present in fields, forests, and damp vegetation, generally staying low to the ground, often less than a foot high. These conditions, especially during warm months, create suitable habitats for chigger populations. It is less common to find them at higher elevations within the state.
Recognizing Chigger Bites
Chigger bites manifest as small, red, itchy bumps on the skin, resembling pimples, blisters, or hives. The intense itching begins several hours after the chigger has attached to the skin. These bites often appear in clusters, commonly found in areas where clothing fits tightly against the body, such as around the ankles, waistline, behind the knees, or in the armpits. Chiggers are microscopic and rarely seen on the skin, as they detach after feeding.
Preventing Chigger Encounters
Wearing appropriate clothing outdoors reduces the likelihood of chigger bites. This includes long-sleeved shirts and long pants, with pant legs tucked into socks or boots. Loose-fitting clothes with tightly woven fabrics also offer protection. Applying insect repellents containing DEET, at concentrations of 10% to 30%, or picaridin at 20%, to exposed skin can help deter chiggers. Treating clothing with permethrin offers further protection by killing chiggers on contact.
Avoiding known chigger habitats, such as dense vegetation, tall grass, and damp wooded areas, is an effective preventive measure. When hiking or spending time in chigger-prone areas, staying on cleared trails minimizes exposure. After returning indoors from outdoor activities, shower immediately with soap and water, scrubbing the skin to remove any chiggers. Washing clothing in hot water also helps eliminate any lingering mites.
Treating Chigger Bites
For chigger bites, several approaches alleviate symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams and ointments containing ingredients like calamine lotion, hydrocortisone, menthol, camphor, or pramoxine provide relief from itching. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected areas also reduce itching and inflammation. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, lessen the allergic reaction and discomfort.
Preventing secondary infections is important for bite care. Avoiding scratching the bites prevents skin breakage and bacterial introduction. If scratching does occur, applying an antiseptic ointment helps keep the area clean. Chigger bites heal on their own within one to two weeks. However, seek medical attention if bites show signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or pus, or if itching is severe and does not improve with home treatments.