What do chiggers look like?

Chiggers are closely related to ticks and spiders, they are the larval stage of a mite that feeds on the broken down skin cells of warm-blooded animals.

Chiggers are very tiny, only growing to between 1/20 and 1/150 of an inch in length. They are typically red in color, although some can be more yellowish or orange in color; they live together in large clusters and have six legs.

Are chiggers dangerous?

Chiggers aren’t known to transmit any diseases and so aren’t considered to be a dangerous pest, but they certainly are an annoying pest.

These parasitic pests, once coming into contact with people, will migrate to areas of skin that are usually found behind knees, in armpits, around ankle areas, and in the groin area. Their bites cause red welts and a red colored rash that is extremely itchy and uncomfortable. However, the good news is that chiggers can usually be washed away with hot soapy water.

Why are chiggers on my property?

Chiggers are commonly found living in damp areas such as forests, areas of thick brush, in gardens, lawns, parks, or grassy areas near streams, rivers or lakes where the ground is typically very moist. People usually come into contact with chiggers while walking through these moist, grassy areas. Once on your clothing the chiggers will quickly migrate to preferred areas of skin and begin feeding on skin cells. Chiggers usually hatch from their eggs in the spring and remain active until the weather cools back down in the late fall.

How do you get rid of chiggers?

Due to their microscopic size, ridding your property of chiggers is a job that should be left up to the Service Professionas at Spencer Pest Services.

Spencer reduces chigger populations from residential properties by implementing a year-round pest control program. Our team has the experience, dedication, and training needed to control chiggers on your property and prevent future problems with them.

Chigger prevention tips

There are several things you can do around your home to prevent problems with chiggers. The Spencer team recommends the following tips:

When you know that you will be spending time outside, particularly in an area that may be home to chiggers, use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET.
Wear long sleeves and long pants that are tucked into your socks, when gardening or spending time outside in dense areas of vegetation or on the banks of rivers or streams.
Keep your lawn trimmed short and do not overwater it.
Reduce areas of dense vegetation and trimming overgrown bushes and grasses back from your yard.
Remove bird and other wildlife feeders from your property that may attract wild animals who could introduce chiggers onto your property.
After spending time outside, immediately take a warm shower and use plenty of soap to help wash away any chiggers.