Chiggers are tiny, almost invisible mites, and a common misconception is whether they survive after biting a human. Understanding chiggers, their interaction with skin, and their life cycle clarifies what happens after a bite, dispelling myths and providing insight into managing their effects.
Understanding Chiggers and Their Bites
Chiggers are not insects but belong to the arachnid family Trombiculidae, relatives of spiders and ticks. Only the larval stage is parasitic to humans and other vertebrates, measuring less than 0.5 millimeters and barely visible to the naked eye. These larvae do not burrow into the skin, nor do they feed on blood like mosquitoes or ticks.
Instead, chigger larvae attach to a host and inject digestive enzymes into the skin. These enzymes break down skin cells, creating a hardened, straw-like feeding tube called a stylostome. The chigger then feeds on the liquefied tissue that forms around this stylostome. If undisturbed, a chigger larva can remain attached and feed for several days before detaching.
The Truth About Chigger Survival
Chiggers do not die after they bite you. Once a chigger larva has fed sufficiently, it simply detaches from the host. After detaching, the larva continues its life cycle on the ground, molting into a nymph and then an adult chigger.
Both nymph and adult chiggers are harmless to humans and do not bite. They primarily feed on plant material and small invertebrates found in the soil. The itching and red welts associated with chigger bites are not caused by the chigger remaining in the skin, but by the body’s allergic reaction to the chigger’s saliva and the stylostome left behind. The irritation can persist for several days after the chigger has detached.
Managing Chigger Bites
Immediate action after potential exposure to chiggers can reduce the severity of bites. Washing affected skin with soap and water can dislodge any attached chiggers, as they do not burrow deeply. A shower or bath soon after exposure is also recommended.
To alleviate itching associated with chigger bites, several over-the-counter remedies are available. Applying calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or topical anesthetic creams can soothe the irritation. Oral antihistamines may also reduce the allergic reaction and itching. Avoiding scratching the bites is important to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on clothing and exposed skin before entering chigger-prevalent areas can help prevent bites.