What are chiggers?

Chiggers are an immature spider mite of a specific type that will latch on to warm animals that emit carbon dioxide.  They prefer to be in warm moist areas which leads them to your ankles around your socks, behind your knees or in your armpits.  They do bite humans, and leave some of their saliva behind which irritates the skin around it causing one of the most intense itches you can get. 

Why do chiggers itch so bad?

Chiggers bites contain enzymes that cause the deterioration of skin.  Your bodies defense to this deterioration is what itches so bad.  It is among the most intense itching sensations you will ever experience.  The good news is that, while intensely itchy, the sores will go away on their own within a few days.  In my experience it has taken right at a week.  The only time they get dangerous is when infection sets in due to too much scratching. 

What can be done to cure the itch?

The first step is to wash any clothing you have been wearing and to soap the bites areas heavily.  The chiggers generally fall off on their own once they are done feeding.  From there you can get any over the counter itch creams which help, clear nail polish can help the itch as well.  A paste made from crushed aspirin and warm tap water is another way to rid the discomfort according to Dr Miles H Bader.

How do I get rid of chiggers?

There are a couple of things to know about where they hang out first.  They prefer shaded, cool, mOIst areas.  This leads them to bushed areas, tall grass, under a good shade tree, you get the idea.  It is important to treat the entire yard, but those areas are priority.  Powdered sulfur, many pesticide sprays and many granules can do the job.  Be sure to check the label to make sure they are covered and follow the instructions of that particular product for best results. 

One of the best chemicals we have found to fight chiggers is Top Choice made by Bayer.  It is marketed primarily for fire ants, but does a great job against these little nuisances too.

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Stay safe out there!