What are Chiggers?

It’s springtime, and with the new season come different types of critters, including chiggers. Chiggers are tiny mite larvae that exist in certain parts of the world, mostly in areas with overgrown vegetation and some forms of moisture. While the insects themselves are essentially harmless, chiggers can cause itchy and irritating reactions for humans.

What Do Chiggers Look Like?

Chiggers start out as almost microscopic larvae, growing to no more than an eighth of an inch in length. As the larvae move through their growing stages, they can be a reddish or orange color, or even an almost black hue. Once they have finished their larvae stages, they will become nymphs, and molt into a different appearance as they develop into adults.

What Do Chiggers Do?

Chiggers are merely looking for food as they move around in their environment, and unsuspecting humans can be their meal. Because the mites are so tiny and difficult to see, it’s easy for them to bite and then head off for the feast. Chiggers feed on the skin of their prey, eating away at the skin and leaving behind an itchy, red rash. After their meal, they will move on, leaving their human victims to suffer their irritating bites.

Chiggers don’t spread deadly diseases or carry dangerous toxins, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a nuisance in your home. Finding ways to deter and prevent chiggers from coming around is important, as the bites can often be quite uncomfortable and itchy. Taking the proper precautions, monitoring your environment and making sure you treat any chigger bites appropriately are key steps in avoiding the presence of chiggers around your home.