Chiggers are insects that feed on animals and human beings. Although tiny and unnoticeable, their bites stimulate an allergic reaction which causes strong pain on the affected area. They appear reddish in color, and a single bite can take a week or two for complete cure. Pain, soreness and redness are the common reactions post the bite.

Let’s examine the different ways by which one can get rid of chiggers.

Trim the Grasses

Chiggers are known to be very active during warm months of spring to early fall. That’s when the grasses blossom to the fullest, and becomes an attractive place for them. Trimming the grasses is the best way to make your grasses look less appealing to them. Keep the length of your grasses short during this period. This process should be repeated often, until their hyperactive period is over.

Use Insecticides

There are many insecticides available in the market that can help one get rid of chiggers. Spray the insecticides couple of times during the spring season. Make sure that you wear gloves and mask while performing this act. Also do not overuse the insecticides, as they have the potential to harm your plantations.

Sulphur

You can dust sulphur on your clothes, if you are visiting a chigger prone area. Chiggers hate sulphur which is why dusting sulphur will keep them away from you. It’s a good and simple method to follow, if you visit shady forest areas very often.

Deet

Applying Deet is another means by which one can get rid of chiggers. Apply Deet near the exposed body area as they are known to dissuade chiggers. Make sure that you do not spray them on your skin or your pets.

Other Precautionary Measures

Chiggers are commonly found in shady forest areas. In case you are bitten by these insects, apply a good anti-itching cream immediately to reduce the itching. Do not scratch the affected area, or rigorously rub that body part. Vitamin E tablets are well known remedy to cure chigger bites. There are also several other home remedies available to cure chigger bites. One can avoid these insects by wearing protective clothes, or by staying away from areas where these insects are commonly found.

As a precautionary measure, take a hot bath after visiting an area which is chigger prone. Also, wash your clothes with a good detergent immediately after visiting a chigger prone area.

If the plants within your house are invaded by chiggers, then place the plants outside the house, and spray insecticides on them until all chiggers are killed. By nature, chiggers die below 43 degree temperature. If you can maintain that temperature, then you can get rid of chiggers with minimum effort.

Although one of the smallest species, they can be a very big nuisance. They are hard to spot and difficult to evacuate completely. Once you know how to get rid of them, you can enjoy the indoors and outdoors of your house without the fear of encountering these nuisance creatures.

Mark Perry

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