Chiggers are the larval stage of mites from the Trombiculidae family that cause intensely itchy welts after feeding on human skin. Contrary to a common misconception, these microscopic pests do not burrow into the skin. Instead, they attach themselves to a host, pierce the skin, and inject a digestive enzyme that breaks down skin cells, creating a hardened feeding tube called a stylostome. The resulting severe itching is an allergic reaction to this injected enzyme, which can persist long after the chigger has detached.
Immediate Relief and Bite Treatment
The immediate priority after a chigger encounter is addressing the intense itching and inflammation caused by the developing welts. Since the chigger typically detaches on its own within a day or two, treatment focuses entirely on symptom management. The itching usually begins a few hours after the bite and can peak in severity over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Over-the-counter topical treatments are effective for providing relief and calming the local skin reaction. Calamine lotion, which contains zinc oxide, is a classic remedy that helps dry the lesions and soothe irritation. Anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid, can reduce inflammation and the body’s allergic response.
For widespread or severe itching, oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can help minimize the allergic reaction, especially if the bites interfere with sleep. Applying a cold compress or an ice pack offers temporary relief by numbing the nerve endings and reducing swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can also manage pain and general inflammation.
Personal Eradication: Removing Chiggers from Skin and Clothing
Immediate action after known exposure is necessary to physically remove any chiggers that have not yet attached or begun feeding. This step prevents further bites and halts the introduction of more digestive enzymes into the skin. Chiggers often migrate on the body for several hours before finding a suitable site, typically where clothing fits tightly, such as at the waistline or sock cuffs.
Taking a hot, soapy shower or bath immediately upon returning indoors is the most effective removal method. Scrubbing the entire body vigorously with a washcloth or loofah helps dislodge and wash away any larval mites still crawling on the skin. The combination of hot water and soap is highly effective at killing or removing the mites before they can fully embed.
All clothing, towels, and blankets exposed to the infested area must be treated to prevent reinfestation. Since chiggers can survive on fabric, items should be washed in hot water with detergent as soon as possible. Drying the items on the highest heat setting is critical, as the sustained high temperature ensures the complete eradication of any remaining mites.
Environmental Control and Prevention
Long-term chigger management relies on personal protection and modifying the outdoor environment to make it less hospitable. Chiggers thrive in damp, overgrown areas like tall grass, brush, and wooded edges, which are often shaded and humid. They wait on vegetation, typically no more than 12 to 18 inches above the ground, for a host to pass by.
Applying chemical repellents is a primary defense when venturing into potential chigger habitats. Repellents containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) can be applied directly to exposed skin and clothing, offering a proven barrier against the mites. For clothing and gear, permethrin-based insecticides provide a long-lasting defense, but this chemical should never be applied directly to the skin. Clothing must be treated with permethrin and allowed to dry completely one or two days before wearing, which allows the product to bond with the fabric.
Modifying the landscape to reduce chigger habitat is an important long-term strategy. Regularly mowing the lawn to a short height and trimming back dense shrubs and weeds increases sunlight penetration and reduces ground-level humidity. Removing leaf litter, brush piles, and other debris eliminates the cool, moist areas where chiggers aggregate. Creating physical barriers, such as a gravel or wood chip path between wooded areas and manicured lawns, can also limit chigger migration into recreational spaces.
In cases of severe or persistent infestations, a professional or do-it-yourself application of a targeted insecticide may be necessary. Products containing active ingredients like bifenthrin or cyfluthrin are effective when applied to the perimeter of the yard, shaded areas, and ornamental beds up to a height of about three feet. These chemical treatments typically provide control for one to two weeks and should be used with landscape management to achieve lasting reduction in the chigger population.