Chiggers are not insects but are the parasitic larval stage of certain mites belonging to the Trombiculidae family. These microscopic, six-legged larvae cause intense, itchy welts when they attach to a host. They do not burrow into the skin; instead, they inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells, which the chigger then consumes. This process causes the characteristic red bumps and severe irritation known as trombiculosis. This article provides steps for eliminating chiggers from the skin, clothing, and environment, along with strategies for preventing future infestations.
Immediate Steps to Neutralize Chiggers on Skin
When chigger exposure is suspected, the priority is to physically dislodge the attached larvae before they can inject more digestive enzymes. Immediately washing the affected area with soap and water is the most effective first response. Vigorous scrubbing with a washcloth or loofah helps detach the mites from the skin surface.
Using warm or hot water during washing aids in removing the larvae from the body. Since chiggers do not burrow, this physical removal effectively stops the feeding process. Focus on areas where clothing was tight, such as around the ankles, waistline, or armpits, as these are common attachment sites.
After washing, attention should turn to managing the resulting itch and inflammation. Over-the-counter topical anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone help reduce localized swelling and redness. Applying calamine lotion or an anti-pruritic lotion provides a soothing effect on the irritated skin.
Some people mistakenly attempt to suffocate chiggers using substances like nail polish or petroleum jelly. This practice is ineffective because the larvae only attach superficially. It may even prolong irritation by trapping digestive enzymes in the skin. Treating the symptoms with proper anti-itch medication after removal is the correct course of action.
A physician may recommend oral antihistamines in cases of severe itching to manage the body’s allergic reaction to the chigger’s saliva. It is important to avoid scratching the bites, as breaking the skin can introduce secondary bacterial infections.
Methods for Treating Infested Clothing and Gear
After treating the skin, ensure that any clothing or gear worn during exposure is thoroughly decontaminated to prevent re-infestation. Chiggers can remain viable on fabric, so immediate laundering is necessary. All clothing, including socks, hats, and outerwear, should be washed using the hottest water setting available.
High temperatures are effective at killing the larvae clinging to the fabric fibers. Following the hot water wash, the items should be dried immediately using the highest heat setting in the dryer.
Items that cannot be machine washed, such as backpacks or certain shoes, should be treated with equal care. These items can be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes if the material allows. Alternatively, they can be sealed in a plastic bag and left outside in direct sunlight for several days, using heat to kill any remaining chiggers.
Strategies for Environmental Chigger Control
Managing chigger populations requires modifying the outdoor environment to make it less hospitable for their survival. Chiggers thrive in areas with dense vegetation, high humidity, and shade, particularly in transitional zones between manicured lawns and wooded areas. Eliminating these favorable conditions is a non-chemical strategy that significantly reduces their numbers.
Frequent mowing of the lawn to a short height and removing overgrown weeds and brush are effective steps. This habitat modification increases sunlight penetration and reduces humidity near the ground, which is detrimental to chigger survival. Trimming back shrubs and clearing leaf litter from the perimeter of the yard also removes common chigger harborages.
For more immediate or widespread control, chemical treatments using specific acaricides are often necessary. Products containing active ingredients like bifenthrin, permethrin, or carbaryl are commonly used to target chiggers in the landscape. These insecticides should be applied according to label directions, focusing on the perimeter of the yard, ground cover, and areas of known infestation.
Another effective chemical option is the application of granular sulfur dust, which acts as a contact killer and repellent against mites. When using chemical control, treat areas where chiggers are likely to be waiting for a host, such as tall grasses and boundaries near woods. The application should be done early in the season when chigger activity begins.
Proper timing and application technique are important for the successful use of chemical controls. Treatments should be applied to the lower 6 to 8 inches of vegetation and the soil surface where the larvae reside. Repeated applications may be necessary, especially after heavy rainfall, to maintain a lethal barrier. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application rates and safety precautions.
Preventing Future Chigger Exposure
The most effective approach to managing chiggers is to take proactive measures before entering areas where they may be present. Creating physical barriers between the skin and the environment significantly reduces the opportunity for attachment. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and tucking pant legs into socks, provides an effective shield against the larvae.
Chemical repellents offer a secondary layer of protection against these mites. Applying an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus directly to the exposed skin is recommended. These substances discourage the chiggers from latching onto the host.
For clothing and gear, treating them beforehand with a product containing permethrin provides a long-lasting defense. Permethrin is a contact insecticide that kills chiggers upon contact with the treated fabric. This treatment should be applied several hours or days before use to allow the clothing to fully dry and cure.