As far as dangers in the outdoors go, getting a few chigger bites isn’t exactly on par with stumbling upon a hornet’s nest or, say, a bear. Yet for those who have had the misfortune of meeting these tiny mites, the experience is nothing short of memorable. The sensation of relentless itching and irritation that chigger bites bring can put a dampener on your outdoor activities. This guide is crafted to shed light on chiggers: pinpoint the areas they inhabit, illustrate how to identify their bites, and, most importantly, guide you through the most effective treatment methods of how to treat chigger bites.

Knowing how to treat chigger bites properly—and doing so promptly—can prevent infection and alleviate discomfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to treating chigger bites effectively:

Identifying bites is the first step towards knowing how to treat chigger bites. These bites have some distinguishing features which set them apart from other insect bites. Here’s how you can recognize them:

How do chigger bites compare to bites from other annoying culprits? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Mosquito Bites usually raised, soft, and accompanied by a mild to moderate itch.

Tick bites are characterized by a clear central bite point and can sometimes be accompanied by a rash. The tick will often be embedded in the skin. 

Spider bites often showcase two-fang marks and can be accompanied by swelling and redness.  Since I spend much time outside and sleeping on the ground, I have had numerous non-venomous spider bites. You may question this fan- mark indicator. Don’t. It is almost always a tell-tale sign of a spider bite

Chiggers are mites found in grassy areas. They have many localized names, including harvest mites, harvest bugs, harvest lice, mower’s mites, red bugs, or the most common, chiggers. They are known for their intensely itchy bites, characterized by red welts commonly seen in warm, constrained areas of the body. Preventing infection and alleviating discomfort can be achieved by cleaning the affected area, abstaining from scratching, and utilizing topical application lotion and antihistamines.

Chiggers are often mistakenly identified as insects. They are more accurately, and scientifically, known as Trombiculidae—minuscule arachnid family members (like spiders and ticks) nearly invisible to the naked eye.  Despite their tiny size, their impact on humans is anything but insignificant. Even though these little guys cannot be seen, the aftermath of discomfort and significant irritation is problematic to humans and pets. 

Understanding the lifecycle of chiggers can be crucial in avoiding their bites. They go through several stages of development, from eggs to larvae, which is the stage where they bite, and then further into nymph and adult stages, where they no longer feed on hosts. The awareness about their feeding patterns and lifecycle stages can equip individuals with the knowledge needed to avoid areas heavily infested with chiggers and take preventive measures during outdoor activities.

Chiggers start their life with eggs laid in grassy or wooded areas. Find a grassy area inside a wooded area, during hot and humid weather, and you have hit the jackpot of chigger country. Once hatched, the larvae seek out hosts to feed on, including various animals or humans.

Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not feed on blood. They feed on the skin. They do this by releasing enzymes that dissolve skin cells, which they then consume. It is when these skin cells dissolve that the insufferable itching starts. While not harmful in the long run, this process leads to intensely itchy and red welts on the skin. Do whatever it takes to not scratch.  Yes, I have been there and done that, too, but it is best to avoid scratching. 

Chiggers predominantly inhabit grassy fields, gardens, wilderness areas, and parks, thriving in areas with a moist and dense vegetation cover. These environments provide them with ample opportunities to find hosts and sustain their lifecycle. These highly humidity-dependent creatures are commonly found in damp areas with high moisture levels. These microscopic pests cluster in groups,  increasing the probability of multiple bites if you walk through a chigger-infested area. Identifying these potential chigger habitats can be instrumental in avoiding unpleasant encounters with them.  That is the #1 way to avoid getting these bites. 

I have two of very cool facts about chiggers for you: The first is their preference for feeding in the early morning and late afternoon hours. During these times, the temperature and humidity levels are optimal for them. Additionally, they seem to have a penchant for shaded areas over sunny spots, as extreme temperatures can harm their survival. Second is the massively big-word process called parthenogenesis. This process is where asexual reproduction can occur in rare circumstances. This means the sheer number of chiggers may explode in the sweltering and humid conditions.  he little buggers rapidly increase on their own to help further the species.   

To protect yourself from chiggers, it’s advisable to avoid sitting or lying down on the grass in known chigger-infested areas, especially during peak feeding times. Taking precautions like wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying insect repellent can help steer clear of chigger bites.

Now that you know how to treat chigger bites, consider learning the same for another nasty bug that’s commonly encountered in the outdoors: Ticks. Check out the following guides ticks.