Chiggers are tiny pests that can cause significant discomfort. Many people wonder if these creatures can infest their homes and beds. Understanding their biology and behavior provides accurate information on where they live and how to manage them.
The Truth About Chiggers and Your Bed
Chiggers are the larval stage of a type of mite, not insects, and they do not live in beds. These tiny arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, are almost invisible to the naked eye, measuring less than 1/150 of an inch. During this larval stage, they seek a single blood meal to develop into nymphs and then adults.
Chiggers do not burrow into human skin. Instead, they attach to the skin and inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells, which they then consume. After feeding for a few days, they detach from the host. Therefore, chiggers do not establish long-term infestations on human hosts or within homes like bed bugs or fleas.
Where Chiggers Live
Chiggers thrive in outdoor environments, preferring warm, humid climates and specific types of vegetation. They are commonly found in tall grasses, weeds, wooded areas, and damp, overgrown vegetation. Chiggers congregate on leaves and grass, usually less than a foot off the ground, waiting for a host to pass by.
When a person or animal brushes against infested vegetation, chiggers readily transfer to their clothing or skin. They then crawl, often seeking areas where clothing is tight or the skin is thinner, such as ankles, waistlines, or behind the knees, before attaching to feed. While found globally, chiggers are particularly prevalent in the southeastern United States and the humid Midwest.
Identifying and Treating Chigger Bites
Chigger bites appear as small, red bumps that can resemble pimples, blisters, or hives. These bites are characterized by intense itching, which begins several hours after the chigger has attached. Common areas for bites include the ankles, lower legs, behind the knees, and around the waist or groin, often where clothing fits tightly. The severe itch is caused by the body’s reaction to the chigger’s injected digestive enzymes.
For immediate care, wash the affected area with soap and water to help remove any remaining chiggers. To relieve the itch, apply over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing ingredients like calamine lotion, hydrocortisone, or pramoxine. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can also help reduce itching, especially if it interferes with sleep. Avoid excessive scratching to prevent skin damage and potential secondary infections.
Preventing Chigger Bites
Effective prevention is key when spending time outdoors. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots, creates a barrier against chiggers. Light-colored clothing also makes chiggers easier to spot.
Apply insect repellents containing DEET to exposed skin. For clothing, products treated with permethrin offer long-lasting protection. After outdoor activities, shower promptly with soap and water to dislodge any attached chiggers. Wash clothes worn outdoors in hot water to eliminate any lingering mites. Maintaining yards by regularly mowing grass, trimming overgrown vegetation, and clearing debris can reduce chigger habitats around the home.