If you’ve even been plagued by a red, painfully itchy rash after a camping trip, a hike or a walk in tall grass, then you already know that chiggers are not your friends. These members of the arachnid family are tiny but they can have a big effect on your skin. These little red mites can ruin a trip and leave behind scars so read on to learn how avoid them.
As pest control problems go, chiggers can be a big one. If you’ve got natural areas or meadowland on your property, you should take measure to protect yourself and your family from the pain and itching that chigger bites will cause. Talk to your residential lawn care service about eradicating these bugs form your property.
Chiggers are very small, so small you aren’t likely to see them. You will, however, see their bites. These are small, red pimple-like bumps that usually appear in large clusters on the skin. The genius of the chigger is that it doesn’t burrow into skin (contrary to what your grandmother may have told you) and they don’t suck your blood either.
Chiggers eat skin cells. They latch your skin and use enzymes to digest your epidermal cells. Naturally, your immune system takes great offense to this attack and responds accordingly in attempt to close off the area with hardened cells. The chigger uses this hardened area, called a stylostome, like a straw. It’s actually using your own immune defenses against you! Your immune system triggers the itching in attempt to rid you of the offender, which results in the trademark bumpy, red rash.
Avoid chigger bites when walking or hiking by embracing your inner dork. Tuck your pants into your socks and make sure no skin is showing. Wear long sleeves to protect your arms and button that collar to protect your neck and chest. If you can’t bear the outfit changes, stop every half hour or so and vigorously brush off your skin paying special attention to your waistband, underarms and the edges of your clothing.
At home, keep your St. Augustine lawn between 4” and 5” long. If your lawn is too long, chiggers will breed. If it is too short – less than 2”, you can kill your grass. By keeping your lawn at the right height, you will take away the shady hiding spots chiggers like best. If you are bitten, the old-school nail polish treatment won’t give you any relief. It is best to consult your physician if you have a chigger bites.
Chiggers aren’t your friends but your Slug-A-Bug, your Brevard County Pest Control service just might be your best friend. During chigger season, they can help prevent the pain and that’s what good friends do!