CHIGGER Bites
The chigger, also know as the red bug or harvest mite, is the larva of a Trombiculid mite. These mites are widely distributed in the United States and are most common in the southern and central states. Large numbers are found in grass, bushes, pine needles and underbrush where they await a suitable vertebrate host. Chiggers are most numerous in the late summer and fall.
The mite larva itself is tiny and pale red in color. After reaching its host, the larva runs rapidly over the skin until it finds either a satisfactory place to attack or an obstacle, often the edge of an area constricted by clothing. At this point it attaches to the skin and secretes a digestive fluid which causes the bite reaction. Itching begins within a few hours and swollen, extremely itchy bumps appear. Often the chigger can be seen in the center of the bump with the naked eye or a hand lens. The bumps may appear around the ankles, in the groin, including the male genitalia, around the belt line, in the armpits, and other areas. The chiggers are removed by scratching or fall off after they are engorged, usually departing within two or three days. Nodules may develop and scratching can cause secondary infection. Some individuals acquire a sensitivity to chiggers and then lose it, as with several other types of insect bites.
CHIGGER Bites Treatment
The mite larva itself is tiny and pale red in color. After reaching its host, the larva runs rapidly over the skin until it finds either a satisfactory place to attack or an obstacle, often the edge of an area constricted by clothing. At this point it attaches to the skin and secretes a digestive fluid which causes the bite reaction. Itching begins within a few hours and swollen, extremely itchy bumps appear. Often the chigger can be seen in the center of the bump with the naked eye or a hand lens. The bumps may appear around the ankles, in the groin, including the male genitalia, around the belt line, in the armpits, and other areas. The chiggers are removed by scratching or fall off after they are engorged, usually departing within two or three days. Nodules may develop and scratching can cause secondary infection. Some individuals acquire a sensitivity to chiggers and then lose it, as with several other types of insect bites.
CHIGGER Bites Treatment
A very effective treatment is a thorough, soapy bath as soon as possible. If lathering and rinsing are repeated several times, most of the chiggers will be killed. If a bite reaction develops, the bumps will persist for periods of several days to two weeks. Chigger bites are treated with cleansing and measures to control itching. Incidentally, household remedies such as nail polish, furniture polish, kerosene, Clorox, butter and salt, and pastes made of meat tenderizer are of unestablished value.
CHIGGER Bites Prevention
Uncut areas, pine needles, and underbrush should be avoided or eliminated; infested areas can be treated with insecticides. Clothing should fit snugly at the ankles and wrists. Repellents are useful, especially diethyl toluamide (deet), ethyl hexanediol, and dimethyl phthalate, and should be generously applied to cuffs and sleeves, legs, ankles, wrists, and the area around the waist. The application of dusting sulfur to skin and clothing is an old but effective preventive.
CHIGGER Bites Prevention
Uncut areas, pine needles, and underbrush should be avoided or eliminated; infested areas can be treated with insecticides. Clothing should fit snugly at the ankles and wrists. Repellents are useful, especially diethyl toluamide (deet), ethyl hexanediol, and dimethyl phthalate, and should be generously applied to cuffs and sleeves, legs, ankles, wrists, and the area around the waist. The application of dusting sulfur to skin and clothing is an old but effective preventive.
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