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About Chiggers
Chiggers are small, hairy, red six-legged creatures. Adult mites winter slightly below the soil, in the spring the females lay as many as 15 eggs per day. After hatching, the larvae move onto vegetation to wait for a host. After living for a few days on a host, they change into nymphs and then adults. The nymphs and adults do not bite. They typically live for two to three months, although the females may live for a full year.
How Chiggers Attack
When humans or other animals brush against plants where chigger larvae are waiting, the chiggers climb on. The chiggers then pierce the skin and release enzymes that break down skin cells which are liquified and eaten by the larvae. If undisturbed, a chigger will feed for about four days before leaving. Under normal circumstances, it is only after the chigger has departed that the small, red, itchy welt will show up. Although the welts may become infected through scratching, they are not known to carry any diseases.
Places Chiggers Like
Chiggers prefer dense vegetation and long grass, especially in marshy areas near water. Keeping grass trimmed and weeds pulled can help to reduce their numbers. Removing leaves and other dead foliage can help as well. When camping, hiking or traveling in areas where chiggers may live, wear clothing that completely covers the skin and wash the clothing as soon as possible afterward in hot water. Commercial insect repellents and sulfur powders also will help to keep them off.
Treating Bites
Because the chiggers are gone by the time red welts appear, there is little that can be done about them. The best thing to do is keep the bites clean and disinfected. Washing the area with soap and water and applying antibiotic ointments or rubbing alcohol will help to prevent infection. Because the bites also itch, treat them with calamine lotion, antihistamines or corticosteroid creams. If scratching the bites can be avoided this will also help to reduce the chance of infection and speed the healing of the skin.