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How to Control Chiggers

Chiggers are mites that live in grass and weeds. They are from the same family as ticks and spiders. A fertile adult female lays a dozen eggs every day that it is warmer than 60 degrees. Although adult chiggers are harmless, the eggs hatch into larvae that need a warm-blooded host to survive. After attaching to an animal and eating for a few days, the larvae fall off and continue growing. Chiggers often look for warm areas where clothing lies close to the skin. This means you will often find chigger bites around socks and waistline and underwear areas.

Things You'll Need

Lawn mower
Bug repellent
Black poster board
Scissors
Lawn insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Mow any tall brush or grass. Lowering the grass height prevents the larvae from climbing high enough to catch socks or skin. The additional air and light circulating through a mowed lawn discourages adult chiggers.
- 2
  Spray your clothing with a bug-repelling spray containing DEET or permethrin before sitting in grass or playing in a weedy area. Spray any exposed skin and pay careful attention to pant cuffs or sleeve openings.
- 3
  Test areas for infestations. Cut black poster board into 6-inch squares. Place a square on the grass in an area. Watch to see how many, if any, tiny yellow or pink mites climb on top of the cardboard. Leave the square in place where mites congregate. This prevents you from touching live chiggers and also marks spots for treatment.
- 4
  Spray lawn insecticide on the areas you have marked with the black squares. Spray the insecticide in a 4-foot square in the area. Choose an insecticide with carbaryl or diazinon. Follow the instructions on your brand of insecticide for best results. Allow the chemical to dry completely before allowing children or pets to play in the area.
- 5
  Remove all clothing, including underwear, promptly after coming indoors. Launder all clothing in hot soapy water to kill any larvae attached to the clothes.

Insects & Science