Description:

Chigger mites are also called "jiggers" and "redbugs." The parasitic larval stages are very small, requiring a hand lens or microscope to see. The larval stage is less than 1/150 inch long, having a hairy yellow, orange to light red body and six legs. The nymphal stage resembles the adult, having eight legs, and brilliant red 1/20 inch long figure-eight shaped bodies.

Life cycle:

Adult chiggers spend the winter in protected sites such as cracks in the soil and leaf litter on the ground. In the spring, they lay eggs that hatch into the parasitic larval or "chigger" stage. This is the stage that attaches to humans or animals. After feeding for several days, the larva dislodges, drops to the ground and changes into a non-feeding pupa-like second larval stage (the nymphochrysalis) where it develops into a free-living nymphal stage. After passing through two nymphal stages (one feeding, one non-feeding), the mite becomes an adult. Development can be completed in 40 to 70 days, with up to four generations being produced per year.

Pest Status:

Plant feeder, causing stippling or bronzing of leaves. On humans, the parasitic larval stage attaches to tender skin with their mouthparts to feed for several days, much like ticks. They prefer to attach in areas where clothing fits tightly such as underneath belt lines and sock bands, and where skin is wrinkled such as behind the knees.

Prevention:

Before going into a place where chiggers may be present, protect yourself with a repellent. Look for the active ingredient DEET (N,N,-diethyl-m-toluamide). A drugstore, hardware or garden store should have this insect repellent in stock.

Apply the repellent to clothing by rubbing or spraying it on. Do not saturate the cloth with repellent. Some kinds of rayon and other synthetic fabrics may be damaged by the repellents, so use caution; nylon, cotton, and wool will not be harmed.

In treating clothing, apply repellent along the inside and outside edges of all openings, such as cuffs, neck, and waistband areas. Be sure to treat all the way around the upper edges of socks. Cotton and wool socks absorb repellent better than other materials. Apply the repellent lightly to the arms or legs if they are not covered by clothing. Read the label for specific instructions and cautions.

Chiggers can infest inanimate objects lying on the ground, such as clothes and blankets. Avoid setting such articles on the ground if you believe chiggers are present. Clothes and blankets suspected to be infested with chiggers should be washed in hot water.