Chiggers are small parasitic insects and have a very itchy bite. To get rid of Chiggers and to know the treatment for Chiggers Bites, read the following article.

Chiggers are small red colored parasitic insects that live in forests, grassy fields, gardens, parks and in moist areas around lakes or rivers. Chiggers are found all over the world and hardly visible to the naked eye. They are also known as red bugs and harvest mites. They look like tiny velvety red spiders and feed on animals as well as humans. They are six legged creatures and measure about 1/100th of an inch. They do not like too hot temperatures and die when the temperature falls below 42°F. Chiggers in grass and plants attach themselves to anybody who gets close enough for them to clamber onto.

Places like near the corner of ankles, under your socks or even at the curve of your knee are searched by them which help Chiggers to stay hidden. In search of an optimal feeding area, they migrate on the skin. After finding an appropriate host, the larvae affix itself to a pore or hair follicle and inject digestive enzymes into the hole that promptly dissolve the surrounding skin cells which are then used for nourishment by the growing chigger. They release from their hosts once they have eaten their fill, grow into adults and feed on plant matter on which they lay more eggs.

There is a superstition about chiggers that they burrow inside the skin. This is not true. Chiggers inject enzymes that cause destruction of host tissue by inserting their feeding structures into the skin. A feeding tube called a stylostome formed due to the hardening of the surrounding skin. Then Chigger larvae feed upon the destroyed tissue. If they are not disturbed, they may feed through the stylostome for a few days. Chiggers able to penetrate the skin at areas of wrinkles, folds, or other areas of skin those are thin as their mouth and feeding structures are delicate.

Around the ankles, the crotch and groin areas, behind the knees, and in the armpits are the most common places where bites occur. When a chigger is moved before it completes its meal, it cannot bite again and will die. Its bites are too painful and after the bite the itching is at its peak for a day or two. Even though you get rid of the chigger the stylostome remains embedded in the skin. As there is an allergic reaction within your skin and the stylostome is slowly absorbed by the body the skin will stay itchy for another 10 days or even more.

How to Get Rid of Chiggers?

Wash Your Clothes and Yourself:

Use a Hair Dryer:

You can use a hair dryer to get rid of chiggers. Without burning yourself, point the hair dryer directly at the affected area and blow with the heat as high as you can tolerate. Keep this up for at least two minutes. This is a very effective method, but only for smaller areas of the body. A hot bath as soon as possible is still most important.

Destroy their Shelter and Breeding Grounds:

To prevent Chiggers growth, the area must be kept dry, well drained and open as they find shady and moist areas for their shelter. Yards should be well trimmed, and the grass should be cut low. Piles of leaves, bark and fences that start to decay should be immediately removed. With a mixture of soap and water, waste and extra foliage should be washed to kill adult chiggers and their larvae. Once a week for at least a month repeat this process to ward off newly hatched larvae. Soak indoor plants or houseplants them in any insecticidal soap which is labeled safe for plants if they are infected with chiggers.

Head Lice Shampoo:

To get rid of chiggers on the body, head lice shampoo can be used. Just apply the solution to the affected areas, wait several minutes, and wash your body thoroughly in the shower. Scrub with soap and water to ensure all of the head lice shampoo is removed, and rinse. Don’t use this treatment for small children, anyone with sensitive skin, or anyone concerned about putting chemicals on their body in this manner.

Sulfur powders:

Sulfur powders accessible at your local drug store work well as a chigger repellent. Apply in and on your clothing and shoes before heading out. A powder puff makes application much easier.

Treatment for Chiggers Bites:

Nail polish:

Nail polish painted on the spots of Chiggers bites is effective. It chokes the creature and cooling effect of nail polish is soothing to the area.

Anti-itch medication:

Anti-itch medication or itch cream like hydrocortisone, Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths makes the bites feel a little better. Antihistamine such as Benadryl helps a little.

Tea tree oil:

Tea tree oil or Tamanu Oil is also effective for chiggers’ bites.

Vaseline:

Applying Vaseline, petroleum jelly will help to relieve the symptoms of chiggers’ bite.

Garlic and lemon juice:

Garlic and lemon juice is also helpful in this condition. Raw garlic is taken and it is rubbed over the area. Same is to be done if one has lemon juice (fresh). This should be done as frequently as possible.

Epsom salt:

Epsom salt is dissolved in water. Water should be warm. Paint the bite area with preparation.

Vinegar:

Vinegar mixed with water can relieve the itching of chiggers bites.