Chiggers are the larval form of the adult mites in the genus. Trombicula is also known as harvest mites, harvest lice, and red bugs. They thrive around the world in hot and humid areas. In the United States, they are a nuisance in the southern and midwestern states, usually in the spring, summer, and fall, but all states have them. In this article, we read about How to get rid of chiggers?
Chiggers are almost microscopic. They measure a mere 1/150 of an inch, and while they are often impossible to see with the human eye, they can feel good after having pierced small holes in the skin with their sharp jaw-like claws to feast on skin cells. Their saliva that dissolves the skin leaves hives, like hives with hives that often last for days.
The good news: There are ways to track, remove, and prevent them. If you think you have chiggers on your property, use the following as a guide: put on protective and repellent clothing and reclaim your land from the biting enemy. And know that you are not the only one who follows the chiggers in your garden. They are food for various ants, beetles, centipedes, spiders, birds, and many other small creatures.
Get rid of the chiggers in the yard
If you find a large chigger infestation, it’s time to remove their habitat. The good news is that the widespread use of pesticides is rarely required or recommended to get rid of chiggers. However, the solution involves yard work.
Because most chiggers prefer moist, shady areas with thick vegetation, these are the areas that will require the most work. (Note: some species like dry areas, so keep that in mind.) You’ll be tackling significant chigger habitats, including overgrown lawns, ground covers, litter, weedy areas, and densely planted shrubs or trees. Chiggers tend to cluster in certain regions because petite females lay their eggs in one place. You can find many chiggers in one area and a total lack of them in an equally suitable nearby area. That said, you may have less work than you think.
So how do you get rid of chiggers in your yard? Maintain a clean and orderly landscape, specifically:
- Mow regularly and keep it short, especially around the lawn’s edges meet landscape beds or wooded areas.
- Keep landscape beds weed and remove accumulated litter.
- Trim and prune landscape plants regularly to prevent them from overgrowing.
- Remove weed piles from your property.
- Because chiggers avoid sunny areas, removing shade in your yard can reduce chigger populations.
If you think you should treat your property for chiggers with pesticides, do so responsibly and safely:
- Contact your local cooperative extension office for information on which pesticides work best for chiggers in your area and how to apply them safely.
- Always follow all directions on pesticide labels. Remember, etiquette is the law.
- Treat only areas of your yard where chiggers are confirmed to live.
- Don’t overuse pesticides by treating your entire lawn or garden.
- Chigger control generally requires multiple pesticide applications during the spring.
- Keep children and pets out of treated areas until they have completely dried. Do not allow animals to eat treated plants.
Get rid of the chiggers on you
You may find small red bumps on the legs or see the insects themselves. Pay special attention to looking for necklines, cuffs of your shirt and pants, and the tops of your socks. If bumps or chiggers are found, wash your skin with soap and water in the bath or shower, and wash your clothing in hot water. Also, throw away any towels or blankets that have touched the ground.
The bumps will go away with hydrocortisone cream, allergy medications, or rarely a steroid injection given by your doctor and antibiotics if the sores become infected.
Get rid of pet chiggers
Clean your pet’s face with a soft cloth or vet-recommended wipe. A longer and denser coat should keep the rest of its body protected. If your pet is bitten, give him a warm bath. Seek treatment for the itch from your vet, as home remedies added to bathwater listed online may not work. Bathing your pet with soaps that contain flea and tick repellants can help prevent chigger bites.
Get rid of chiggers indoors
Hot water also helps rid your home of bed bugs. Clean with soapy water that is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a carpet shampoo that has a heat setting. To help prevent them from coming back, just vacuum regularly.
Also read: how to get rid of rats
