Chiggers are tiny, nearly invisible pests found in outdoor environments, particularly during warmer months. These minute organisms are known for causing intensely itchy bites that can disrupt outdoor activities.
Understanding Chiggers
Chiggers are not insects but the larval stage of mites, related to spiders and ticks. These larvae are extremely small, typically measuring about 0.3 millimeters, and appear reddish or orange, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye. They possess six legs during this larval stage, which is the only stage that feeds on humans and animals. After feeding, the larvae drop off and develop into nymphs and then adults, which have eight legs and do not bite humans, instead feeding on small arthropods and plant material. A common misconception is that chiggers burrow into the skin; however, they do not, nor do they suck blood.
Where Chiggers Reside and How They Attach
Chiggers prefer warm, humid conditions and are commonly found in tall grasses, weeds, wooded areas, and berry patches. They thrive in environments near water and are most active from late spring through early fall. These tiny larvae position themselves on vegetation, waiting for a host to pass by. When a person or animal brushes against infested plants, chiggers quickly transfer onto their clothing or skin. They often migrate to areas where clothing fits tightly or where skin folds exist, such as around waistbands, sock lines, armpits, behind the knees, or in the groin.
The Chigger Bite Experience
The bite from a chigger larva is typically painless at the moment it occurs. Symptoms, including intense itching and the appearance of red welts, usually develop several hours later, often between 1 to 3 hours after attachment. Chiggers inject digestive enzymes into the skin, which break down skin cells. They then feed on these liquefied skin cells, creating a hardened tube of skin called a stylostome through which they consume the dissolved tissue. The characteristic red bumps can appear as pimples, blisters, or hives, and often occur in clusters or lines where clothing was tight. The intense itching typically peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours and can persist for several days, with the bites themselves taking up to two weeks to heal.
Treating and Preventing Chigger Bites
Treating Chigger Bites
Taking a bath or shower with soap and water, and thoroughly scrubbing the skin, helps remove any chiggers that may still be attached. Washing clothes worn during outdoor activities in hot, soapy water is also advisable to kill any remaining mites. For treating the intense itching and inflammation, over-the-counter remedies such as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or oral antihistamines can provide relief. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected areas can also soothe the skin. It is important to avoid scratching the bites to prevent skin damage and potential secondary bacterial infections.
Preventing Chigger Bites
Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots, can create a barrier against the mites. Using insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin or permethrin on clothing can also deter chiggers. Avoiding walking through tall grass, dense brush, or areas with high humidity, particularly during summer and early fall, can minimize exposure. Staying on the center of trails when hiking helps prevent brushing against vegetation where chiggers might be waiting.