Chiggers are microscopic mites that cause intensely itchy red welts. These tiny arachnids inject a digestive enzyme, causing discomfort. Preventing contact is key to enjoying outdoor activities without irritation.
Preparing for Outdoor Activities
Before venturing outdoors, preparing your skin and clothing offers a strong defense against chigger bites. Applying insect repellents to exposed skin can deter chiggers. Effective active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. Picaridin at 20% concentration provides protection for 8-14 hours, while 10% offers 3.5-8 hours. IR3535, a synthetic amino acid, is also effective and provides at least six hours of protection with 20% formulations.
Permethrin offers protection for clothing and gear. Apply this insecticide only to fabrics, footwear, and equipment, never directly to the skin. Permethrin bonds to fabric fibers and remains effective through several washes, typically lasting six weeks or six launderings. When treating items, spray them outdoors, holding the can 6-8 inches away to cover the surface, and allow them to dry completely before wearing or using.
Wearing appropriate clothing creates a physical barrier. Opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants in chigger-prone areas. Tucking pant legs into socks or boots seals off entry points. Choosing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot chiggers before they reach your skin.
Strategies While Outdoors
Being mindful of your surroundings can reduce exposure to chiggers. They thrive in tall grass, dense brush, wooded areas, leaf litter, and berry patches, especially between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoiding these habitats minimizes contact.
Stay on cleared trails and paths, avoiding overgrown vegetation where chiggers concentrate. If sitting on the ground is necessary, place a blanket or tarp down first to provide a barrier.
Post-Activity Measures
Upon returning indoors, immediate steps can dislodge any attached chiggers. A hot, soapy shower or bath is effective in removing them from the skin. Scrubbing vigorously with a washcloth helps dislodge mites, and doing so promptly reduces potential bites.
Launder all outdoor clothing worn in chigger-prone areas right away. Washing these items in hot water and drying them on a high heat setting kills any chiggers on the fabric. Inspect and clean any gear, backpacks, or equipment used outdoors, as chiggers can hitch a ride on these items.
What to Do If Bitten
Despite preventative efforts, chigger bites can occur, typically as intensely itchy red bumps or welts. These reactions often appear in clusters, commonly around tight clothing areas like ankles, waistbands, or behind the knees. Itching usually begins several hours after exposure and can be most intense for the first 24 to 48 hours, sometimes lasting up to two weeks.
To alleviate discomfort, several over-the-counter remedies provide relief. Apply anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, menthol, or pramoxine. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can reduce itching, especially if it interferes with sleep. Cool compresses or ice packs can further calm irritation. Avoid scratching bites to prevent breaking the skin, which could lead to secondary infections.