Information on chiggers. Chiggers: Tiny Pests That Pack a Big Itch – Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment

12.09.202322.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are chiggers and how do they affect humans. Where can chiggers be found and what symptoms do their bites cause. How are chigger bites diagnosed and treated. What complications can arise from chigger bites and how can they be prevented.

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The Nature of Chiggers: Tiny Larvae with a Big Impact

Chiggers, also known as harvest mites or red mites, are minuscule organisms that can cause significant discomfort to humans. These six-legged, wingless larvae are the immature stage of a type of mite. Despite their small size, chiggers can create a big impact on those unfortunate enough to encounter them.

Are chiggers visible to the naked eye? Chiggers are extremely small, making them difficult to spot without magnification. Their tiny size, combined with their preference for hiding in grass and vegetation, often means that people are unaware of their presence until after they’ve been bitten.

Chigger Habitat and Behavior

Where do chiggers typically reside? Chiggers are commonly found in outdoor areas with:

Tall grass and weeds
Berry patches
Edges of woodlands

These environments provide the perfect cover for chiggers to wait for unsuspecting hosts. They’re particularly active during the summer and fall months when outdoor activities are more frequent.

How do chiggers interact with humans? When a human or animal passes by, chiggers quickly attach themselves to the skin. They prefer areas where clothing fits tightly or where skin folds create a warm, moist environment. Common attachment sites include:

Around the waist
Near the ankles
In warm skin folds

The Bite and Its Effects: Understanding Chigger Attacks

Contrary to popular belief, chiggers don’t actually bite in the traditional sense. Instead, they use their mouthparts to create a tiny hole in the skin, into which they inject saliva containing digestive enzymes. This process liquefies skin cells, which the chigger then consumes.

Do chigger bites cause immediate pain? Interestingly, the initial attachment of a chigger is painless. It’s only after several hours that the effects of their feeding begin to manifest, primarily in the form of intense itching.

Symptoms of Chigger Bites

What are the main symptoms of chigger bites? The primary indicators include:

Severe itching
Red, pimple-like bumps or hives
A skin rash in exposed areas

The itching from chigger bites can be particularly intense, often described as more severe than that of mosquito bites. The rash typically appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun and may stop abruptly at clothing lines, such as where underwear meets the legs. This distinctive pattern can be a key clue in identifying chigger bites.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Addressing Chigger Bites Effectively

How are chigger bites diagnosed? Healthcare providers can usually identify chigger bites through a physical examination of the rash and by discussing recent outdoor activities. In some cases, a special magnifying scope may be used to locate chiggers on the skin, confirming the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Chigger Bites

What is the primary goal of treating chigger bites? The main objective is to alleviate the intense itching associated with the bites. Common treatment approaches include:

Antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation
Corticosteroid creams or lotions to soothe the skin
Over-the-counter anti-itch treatments

Are antibiotics necessary for chigger bites? Generally, antibiotics are not required for chigger bites unless a secondary bacterial infection develops due to excessive scratching.

Potential Complications: When Chigger Bites Turn Serious

While most chigger bites resolve without significant issues, complications can arise in some cases. The primary risk is the development of a secondary bacterial infection due to intense scratching of the affected areas.

When should you seek medical attention for chigger bites? It’s advisable to contact a healthcare provider if:

The itching becomes unbearable
Symptoms worsen over time
The rash doesn’t improve with home treatment
Signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, or pus) appear

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Chiggers at Bay

How can one avoid chigger bites? Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with chiggers. Here are some effective strategies:

Avoid known chigger-infested areas
Apply insect repellent containing DEET to skin and clothing
Wear long sleeves and pants when in potentially infested areas
Shower and wash clothes immediately after outdoor activities

Is it possible to eliminate chiggers from your property? While complete eradication may be challenging, regular lawn maintenance can help reduce chigger populations. Keeping grass short and removing weeds can make your yard less hospitable to these tiny pests.

Myths and Misconceptions: Debunking Chigger Folklore

Several myths surround chiggers and their bites. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: Chiggers Burrow Under the Skin

Do chiggers burrow into human skin? Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow under the skin or lay eggs there. They remain on the surface, feeding on liquefied skin cells before dropping off after a few days.

Myth: Nail Polish Suffocates Chiggers

Is applying nail polish an effective treatment for chigger bites? This old wives’ tale suggests that painting nail polish over chigger bites will suffocate the mites. However, since chiggers don’t remain attached for long, this method is ineffective and may even irritate the skin further.

Chiggers and Disease: Assessing the Health Risks

While chigger bites can be extremely uncomfortable, it’s important to understand their potential health implications beyond the immediate discomfort.

Can chiggers transmit diseases to humans? Unlike some other biting insects, chiggers in North America are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, in some parts of Asia, certain species of chiggers can transmit scrub typhus, a potentially serious bacterial infection.

Long-term Effects of Chigger Bites

Do chigger bites have any lasting effects? In most cases, chigger bites heal completely without long-term consequences. However, repeated exposure to chigger bites can sometimes lead to:

Increased sensitivity to future bites
Temporary discoloration of the skin at bite sites
Scarring if bites become infected due to scratching

Chiggers in Different Environments: Global Perspectives

While chiggers are found worldwide, their prevalence and the specific species can vary by region. Understanding these differences can be crucial for travelers and those living in or visiting different parts of the world.

Chiggers in Tropical and Subtropical Regions

How do chiggers in tropical areas differ from those in temperate climates? In tropical and subtropical regions, chiggers can be active year-round due to the consistently warm temperatures. These areas may also host different species of chiggers, some of which can be vectors for diseases like scrub typhus.

Urban vs. Rural Chigger Populations

Are chiggers only a problem in rural areas? While chiggers are more commonly associated with rural or wilderness areas, they can also be found in urban and suburban environments, particularly in parks, gardens, and areas with dense vegetation.

The Ecology of Chiggers: Understanding Their Life Cycle

To fully comprehend the chigger problem, it’s essential to understand their life cycle and ecological role. This knowledge can inform better prevention and control strategies.

Chigger Life Cycle

What are the stages of a chigger’s life cycle? The chigger life cycle consists of four main stages:

Egg
Larva (the stage that affects humans)
Nymph
Adult

Only the larval stage feeds on animals and humans. As they mature, chiggers transition to feeding on plant materials and small insects.

Ecological Role of Chiggers

Do chiggers serve any beneficial purpose in the ecosystem? Despite their nuisance to humans, chiggers play a role in their ecosystems:

They help break down organic matter
Serve as a food source for other insects and small animals
May contribute to population control of some small animals they parasitize

Chiggers and Pets: Protecting Our Animal Companions

While much of the focus is on human encounters with chiggers, our pets can also be affected by these tiny mites. Understanding how chiggers interact with animals can help pet owners protect their furry friends.

Chigger Effects on Dogs and Cats

How do chiggers affect pets? Chiggers can attach to dogs and cats, typically in areas with less fur, such as:

Around the eyes
Inside the ears
In the genital area

Pets may exhibit signs of discomfort, excessive scratching, or redness in affected areas.

Protecting Pets from Chiggers

What can pet owners do to protect their animals from chiggers? Several strategies can help:

Use pet-safe insect repellents recommended by veterinarians
Keep pets out of known chigger-infested areas
Regularly groom and inspect pets after outdoor activities
Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has been bitten by chiggers

Future Perspectives: Advances in Chigger Research and Control

As our understanding of chiggers and their impacts on human health evolves, researchers continue to explore new methods for prevention and treatment.

Emerging Technologies in Chigger Control

What new approaches are being developed to combat chiggers? Ongoing research is focusing on several areas:

Development of more effective and long-lasting repellents
Exploration of biological control methods
Improved landscape management techniques to reduce chigger populations
Investigation of potential vaccines against chigger-borne diseases in regions where they pose a significant health risk

Climate Change and Chigger Distribution

How might climate change affect chigger populations and distribution? As global temperatures rise, researchers predict potential shifts in chigger habitats:

Expansion of chigger-friendly environments into new regions
Longer active seasons in temperate areas
Potential increases in chigger-borne disease transmission in affected areas

These changes underscore the importance of ongoing research and adaptation of prevention strategies to address evolving chigger-related challenges.

Chiggers Information | Mount Sinai

Harvest mite; Red mite

Chiggers are tiny, 6-legged wingless organisms (larvae) that mature to become a type of mite. Chiggers are found in tall grass and weeds. Their bite causes severe itching.

Chigger bites are caused by the larvae of the chigger. The bite produces blisters (vesicles) and bleeding into the skin (purpura). These bites itch intensely and are usually located on exposed areas of the skin where the chigger larvae have access. This photograph demonstrates vesicle formation following the bites.

Causes

Chiggers are found in certain outdoor areas, such as:

Berry patches
Tall grass and weeds
Edges of woodlands

Chiggers bite humans around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. Bites commonly occur in the summer and fall months.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of chigger bites are:

Severe itching
Red pimple-like bumps or hives

Itching usually occurs several hours after the chiggers attach to the skin. The bite is painless.

A skin rash may appear on the parts of the body that were exposed to the sun. It may stop where the underwear meets the legs. This is often a clue that the rash is due to chigger bites.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider can usually diagnose chiggers by examining the rash. You’ll likely be asked about your outdoor activity. A special magnifying scope may be used to find the chiggers on the skin. This helps confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to stop the itching. Antihistamines and corticosteroid creams or lotions may be helpful. Antibiotics are not necessary unless you develop a skin infection.

Possible Complications

A secondary infection may occur from scratching.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if the rash itches very badly, or if your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.

Prevention

Avoid outdoor areas that you know are contaminated with chiggers. Applying bug spray containing DEET to skin and clothing can help prevent chigger bites.

Diaz JH. Mites, including chiggers. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 295.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.

Last reviewed on: 12/4/2022

Reviewed by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Chiggers | Missouri Department of Conservation

Media

Scientific Name

Trombicula alfreddugesi and other Trombicula spp. (syn. Eutrombicula)

Family

Trombiculidae (chiggers), in the order Actinedida, in the class Arachnida

Description

Chiggers are extremely tiny, and it is very unlikely you will “see” one unless you are looking for them. You will need a hand lens or microscope to see them well. Their presence is best known, instead, by the intensely itchy welts they leave behind, usually where your skin is thin and tender (ankles, backs of knees, about the crotch, under the beltline, and in the armpits) and where tight clothing proves an obstacle to them (as where a belt or elastic band limits their wanderings). (Mosquito bites, by contrast, are usually in exposed places where those flying insects can easily land.) Chigger bites sometimes have a tiny red dot at the center, which is the remains of a scablike tube your body formed in response to the chigger’s irritating saliva.

Larval chiggers are red and have 6 legs. A cluster of them can sometimes be seen on your skin because of their reddish color. Chiggers are red, but not from dining on blood as many people think. After a blood meal, chiggers look yellowish. Adult chiggers have 8 legs and look like several other types of mites.

Size

Diameter (larvae): less than 1/150 inch; adults: about 1/60 inch.

Where To Find

Statewide

Chiggers survive best in brushy, grassy, or weedy areas that retain some moisture during the day. Their distribution within an area is patchy. They are most active in afternoons and when the ground temperature is about 77-86F. They become inactive below 60F, and the ones that bite us are killed below 42F. Chiggers avoid objects hotter than 99F. Sun-baked rocks are usually chigger-free.

Chiggers eat different foods at their different life stages. It is the larval stage that is parasitic. Their primary hosts are reptiles and birds, with mammals (including people) secondary, almost accidental hosts. They seek tender skin, attach to the surface, inject a saliva containing a digestive enzyme and drink the dissolved skin tissue. Your body responds to this with an itchy allergic reaction. Adult chiggers are not parasitic and feed on various plant materials and other small arthropods.

Common. Fortunately, chiggers (in North America, at least) are not known to be disease vectors for humans. Apart from the insanely itchy welts they leave behind, they are not nearly as harmful as ticks and mosquitoes can potentially be. By educating yourself about ways to avoid being bitten, and the best ways to treat their bites, you can sidestep and survive Missouri’s chiggers.

Life Cycle

Chiggers begin life as eggs, usually laid in leaf litter on the ground. They hatch as 6-legged, bright red larvae that are less than 1/150 inch in diameter and are therefore practically microscopic. The larvae seek a suitable host and begin feeding. If they complete their meal, that is the end of their parasitism. They drop to the ground and molt into nymphs before a final molt turns them into 8-legged adults, whose purpose is to mate and lay eggs.

Protect your skin by wearing tightly woven clothes that cover as much of your body as possible with minimal openings, applying insect repellents, and bathing soon after exposure.

Parasites harm but do not kill their hosts. The injury they cause and the diseases they can carry, if combined with illness, old age or injury, can play a role in limiting populations of their host species. Other small animals, such as pseudoscorpions, rely on chiggers and other mites for food.

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Caption

One of the down sides of Missouri summers is chiggers. They are nearly invisible but leave itchy red welts. Avoid their habitat areas, especially after noon.

Credit

Hansell F. Cross, Georgia State University, Bugwood.org

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About Land Invertebrates in Missouri

Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.

Digging | it’s… What is digging?

Digger in a sewerage collector under construction in Kaliningrad

People who engage in digging are called diggers .

1 About diggers
2 Russian Diggers
3 Slang
4 Images, multimedia
5 See also
6 Links
7 Notes

About Diggers

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Do not confuse digging with speleology (the study of caves and cavities of natural origin) and spelestology (the study of caves, quarries and catacombs made by man in rocks). Diggers are engaged in the study of underground structures built by man using building materials and technologies, for example, drainage systems, sewers, underground rivers. As well as underground military facilities (abandoned). The search for ghost stations of the Moscow Metro and the D-6 (Metro-2) system is also very popular.

But essentially diggerism is a subsection of spelestology, amateur spelestology. Although many diggers deny the connection with this kind of research, arguing that it kills a touch of mystery.

Very often, digging is associated with various kinds of dangers, therefore it is considered a hobby mainly for the male part of the youth, but girls are also not rare guests of the dungeons. Diggers are interested in almost all underground structures – bomb shelters (both abandoned and functioning), basements, underground rivers and communications, old mines, metro tunnels and metro construction. Diggers show particular interest in ancient buildings and their arrangement.

Do not forget: such penetration into various closed objects is prosecuted by law. For the most part, this applies to metro and metro construction facilities, as well as to various structures that are on the balance sheet of the RF Ministry of Defense.

Legislation of other countries is more loyal to diggers. Thus, Ukrainian law enforcement officials are usually indifferent to the penetration of diggers into city communications, unless these penetrations are accompanied by obvious violations of the law and are not associated with an obvious danger to others. There is an opinion that objects that are interesting for diggers exist only in large cities and metropolitan areas, but it is erroneous. Cities of regional and even district subordination can sometimes boast of objects that are quite interesting for diggers.

Russian diggers

Most Russian diggers (this is their difference from foreign ones) have a tradition of “blurring” or painting over their faces in photographs (which is usually useless, because everyone knows each other) in order to prevent the police from using them portraits for their own purposes.

Slang

Russian diggers have their own slang:

Aboriginal – a local resident.
Chatterbox – bolt cutter (reinforcement shears).
bomber, bomb – bomb shelter.
VadMikh – Vadim Mikhailov.
Vsha – Ventilation Shaft.
Condom, baking sheet – gas mask.
Germa, hermukha – hermetic door (hermetic door).
Airtight window – airtight door of the ventilation system.
GorKal – sewer collector.
Swag – property or some artifact that can be carried away from the object. Most often, swag includes chemical protection, gas masks, AI-2, equipment, laboratory glassware, maps, diagrams, bags, sensors, etc.
Casting – penetration into the investigated object.
Climb – an inconspicuous passage to an object bypassing an alarm or an inaccessible entrance.
Fuse – the fuse is the detection of diggers on the object.
Climb fuse – a climb fuse is an action that leads to the elimination of re-penetration of an object (installation of sensors or cameras, welding of gratings, backfilling of passages, concreting of mine shafts).
Dachlo – a sensor installed by the guards.
Red cap, red forage cap – on duty at the station in the subway.
Cable – cable collector.
Negla – Neglinka river.
LDCH – Earthworm Camp (Reganwurmlager), an underground fortress in the Fortified area East Wall (Ostwall).
Fitter – a worker or other person who is at the facility on duty.
Fitter – a fitter’s work jacket or less often an orange vest.
Assembly house – change house of workers.
Object – a place of interest for the climb.
Pruha is a small Anti-Radiation Shelter, usually located under the house.
Rakohod, racolaz, crustacean – A narrow hole that does not allow you to stand up to your full height.
Light – flashlight.
Private security company, chopper – security guard (Private Security Company).
Skinner, skinner – a narrow hole, through which you can climb only by removing everything superfluous from yourself.
Elka or Aladdin — chemical protection suit L-1. Mostly the lower part.
Foma, fomich – nail puller.
Sawed – successfully penetrate without distroy.
Distroy – destruction inflicted on an object by some diggers.

Images, multimedia

Notes