Chiggers - Mites That Bite!

Chiggers are more common in tropical or semi-tropical climates but occur worldwide. Some species are responsible for the transmission of scrub typhus but not those in the US. Chigger mites can be encountered in any dense, brushy vegetation during any month in the southern US and late spring through early fall in the northern US. Chiggers do not infest homes.

Avoiding chigger bites

It is not practical to try to control either adults or larval stages of this mite with insecticide. In areas where chigger bites have occurred the best defense is to use repellents containing DEET or treat clothing with a permethrin-based spray (see Using Insect Repellents).

Treating chigger bites

By the time the itching starts chigger mites may be long gone. However, since chiggers may feed for hours, or even days, taking a warm shower once bites are noticed may disrupt further feeding by washing away any remaining mites. Severe allergic reactions should be seen by a medical professional but less severe reactions can be treated with skin care ointments that are available over-the-counter. No other treatment is generally necessary.

Physician's Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance

This is the standard reference text (right) for the medical community. The text has been recently updated with color photographs of the significant biting and stinging arthropods.

+ Using Mosquito and Insect Repellents

+ Mites That Bite Guide (pdf): A number of very small mites may bite and cause skin lesions. Biting mites occur in very specific habitats such as bird and rodent nests. If you avoid contact with these habitats you'll avoid their bites. Some mites that are parasitic on other arthropods occasionally bite people as well.

Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.