Chiggers – Invisible but Unforgettable!

— Written By Donna Teasley and last updated by
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

It’s summer and outdoor events are the norm. Picking blackberries, picnics, hikes, camping trips, fishing on a river bank-all great activities for the season, and harmless, so you think! But, there’s an almost invisible danger out there just waiting for the oblivious outdoorsman. Meet the chigger: a tiny eight-legged mite that will quietly attach itself to your skin and cause misery for up to three weeks.

Chiggers live in tall weeds and grasses, blackberry thickets and wooded areas. They lurk along hiking trails river banks and fields of tall grass. Active in the spring, summer and fall, they love warm temps. It is the larva of the chigger that bites humans. Only 1/150 of an inch, it is almost invisible. The larvae have claws which they use to attach themselves to the skin when someone brushes up against vegetation where chiggers are present. A saliva is injected into the skin which turns skin cells into liquid which is then eaten. Chiggers do not suck blood at all. Chiggers remain attached and feeding for up to  four days before falling off. Itching can start within a few hours and last for up to three weeks. More than one chigger can attach and many times welts will show up in clusters.

Contrary to popular beliefs, chiggers don’t burrow under the skin. Using products such as clear nail polish to smother the mites don’t work. Antiseptics should be used and anti-itch products are also helpful. If exposure is suspected, an immediate hot shower is suggested. Chiggers prefer areas of the body that are warm and moist.

The use of insect repellents can help prevent chigger bites. Apply to shoe tops, cuffs and neck openings and don’t forget waistbands. Also, when picking blackberries, long sleeved shirts and pants are recommended with shoes and socks. Tuck pant legs in to socks. When hiking, stay in the middle of the trail and refrain from sitting on fallen logs.

Don’t give up your outside time because of chiggers. Use some common sense and enjoy the summer.

chart showing the stages of life of a chigger

Lifecycle of a Chigger

person with chigger bites on abdoman

Chigger Bites