Chiggers are prevalent in Texas, especially during warmer months. These nearly microscopic mites, often found in grassy and wooded environments, can cause irritating bites. Their presence is noticeable due to the skin reactions they trigger.
Understanding Chiggers
Chiggers are not insects or ticks, but rather the larval stage of mites, which are arachnids related to spiders. Only the six-legged larval stage of these mites is parasitic and feeds on humans and other animals. These larvae are extremely small, making them nearly invisible to the unaided eye.
Adult chiggers spend winter in the soil, and in spring, females deposit eggs in leaf litter and damp soil. The larvae that hatch then climb onto vegetation, waiting for a host. Chiggers are most active in warm, humid conditions, thriving when ground temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F. They become inactive below 60°F and are killed when temperatures drop below 42°F. In many parts of Texas, chiggers are active from late spring through fall, and in southern areas, they can remain active year-round.
Identifying and Addressing Chigger Bites
Chigger bites typically appear as red spots, pimples, or welts, often in clusters. The itching associated with these bites is caused by the chigger injecting digestive enzymes into the skin, which break down skin cells for feeding. Chiggers do not burrow into the skin; they feed on the liquefied tissue.
Symptoms usually begin hours after exposure, often between one to eight hours, as the body reacts to the enzymes. The itching can last for the first 24 to 48 hours and may persist for up to two weeks. Bites are commonly found in areas where clothing fits tightly or where skin folds, such as around the ankles, waistline, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
After suspected exposure, shower with soap and water, scrubbing the skin vigorously with a washcloth to dislodge any remaining mites. For symptom relief, over-the-counter options include calamine lotion, anti-itch creams containing ingredients like camphor, menthol, or hydrocortisone, and oral antihistamines. Avoiding scratching is important to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Effective Chigger Prevention
Protecting yourself from chiggers involves several strategies. Wearing appropriate clothing creates a physical barrier against these mites. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabrics are recommended, with pant legs tucked into socks or boots. Buttoning cuffs and collars also helps to minimize points of entry.
Applying insect repellents offers additional protection. Products containing DEET can be applied to exposed skin, while permethrin-treated clothing provides long-lasting repellency and acts as an insecticide. Permethrin should only be applied to clothing, not directly to the skin, and allowed to dry completely before wearing. Managing outdoor environments also reduces chigger populations; keeping grass cut short and trimming dense vegetation can make an area less hospitable to them. After returning from chigger-prone areas, immediately wash all worn clothes in hot water and take a thorough shower with soap and water to remove any mites that may have hitched a ride.