What In The World Are Chiggers?

Chiggers, what's that? A friend asked me recently. I grew up in the country around farms and hay fields where these little critters love to live as well as in thick dense brush near or in the woods. So what are chiggers anyway and what do you do about them? 

What are chiggers?

Chiggers are a tiny bug, so tiny that you'll likely never see them, but they certainly leave the evidence if their visits behind. Chiggers are found in the outdoors in any area really but are commonly found in thickly wooded, brushy, or highly overgrown areas. Hay fields are an excellent place to find chiggers. These bugs can be seen with a magnifying glass and are also known as Berry Bugs, but the official name of the species is trombiculid mites. Also, they are in the same family as spiders and ticks because they are considered arachnids rather than insects. When viewed they are red in color too.

Baby chiggers bite, but adults do not. These babies don't fly and typically lurk in the grass or on leaves for the most part. They usually stay in large clumps and are very prone to attaching themselves to people or animals as they pass by. Chiggers may be found and give bites most commonly from late spring to early fall when temperatures are between the mid 70's to upper 80's.

How can I  repel chiggers?

It's no secret that chigger bites itch terribly. These bites are made after the chiggers roam around on your clothes for a while and find a nice bit of skin to sink their claw-like jaws into and burrow a hole into the skin. Their saliva then turns the surrounding cells into a liquid they can munch on for several days while they stay attached to you. This saliva causes the burning and itching sensations you feel. This is why it's important to repel chiggers before they bite. Common websites recommend a DEET containing insect spray and if you'd like to use it feel free, but we don't due to the toxicity of these chemicals. Instead, I'd recommend a natural bug spray that contains citrus oils, citronella, and eucalyptus. Wearing long pants and sleeves is helpful as well to prevent them from finding and attaching to your skin. Chiggers commonly bite around ankles, wrists, and the groin in the tender delicate skin. You may also apply diatomaceous earth to shoes and socks for extra prevention.

How to treat itching from chigger bites:

• The first step is to take a nice hot shower as soon as you come inside. This can help to reduce the likelihood of bites.
• If you are already itching then it's time to take action. The next step is to cut your nails and try to avoid scratching. Scratching will only increase irritation and may cause infection to the surrounding skin. 
• An antihistamine like from your local pharmacy may help and is known under the generic name of diphenhydramine. You may also want to try calamine or hydrocortisone ointment too. 
• If you'd rather go the natural route then you can try a paste of baking soda or salt over the wounds. Leave it until it dries then rinse it off with lukewarm water. As expected this burns really bad, but will significantly reduce the itching.
• Aloe vera may help to stop the itching and some varieties have benzocaine in them to numb the skin and reduce itching. 
• Bathing in Epsom salt may help as the magnesium helps to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation at the site of bites.

If you are a man it's important to point out a condition called summer penile syndrome. This results from bites around the groin area. The condition usually clears up on its own. However, in the short term, it may result in trouble peeing, swelling in the area, or extreme itching. The condition may linger from a few days up to a few weeks after chigger bites to the area. 

Also, it's important to keep in mind that clear nail polish is not an effective remedy, there is no benefit and the nail polish may actually irritate the area more. 

If the bites are still bothering you several days later or redness and swelling have grown worse you'll want to see your healthcare provider. You'll also want to see a provider if your skin is warm to the touch, oozing fluid, or if you develop a fever. The bites may take one to two weeks to heal entirely. 

As always this article does not replace the advice of a trained healthcare provider. This article is for entertainment purposes only. Please see your own healthcare provider for any questions or concerns and before starting or stopping any medications. 

Have a great week and we'll see you next time here at Secular Homemaking! :)