Chiggers
Forest Health Guide for Georgia Foresters
Written by Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission
Adapted for the web by the Bugwood Network
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Chiggers or redbugs belong to a group of arthropods called mites. They are closely related to ticks. Chiggers are notorious pests of humans. The six-legged larva is the attacking stage and is barely visible to the unaided eye (Figure 221). Chiggers live outside in the moist humus layers of woods, meadows and grassy areas. Some areas are more “chigger” ridden than others. Out-of-bound areas of golf courses are ideal places for chiggers to live. Pine straw and other decaying woody materials provide rich environments for chigger development plus the occasional meal from a wandering golfer. Chiggers feed on many species of animals and like to bite humans around the waistband of underwear and any other place where the clothing fits tightly. Chiggers actually feed on lymphatic fluids and rarely consume blood.
Chiggers stay attached for only a short period and then drop off. Itching continues due to the irritation from the chigger’s saliva. Itching can be relieved with most over-the-counter ointments. Warm soapy baths are effective in removing most chiggers. Infested clothing should be washed immediately to prevent chiggers from finding you or a family member to bite. Repellents containing DEET are very effective in keeping chiggers off of the body.
Figure 221
photo by Hansell F. Cross |
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