Chiggers are tiny insects that live on the skin of humans and animals. They feed on human blood and cause irritation. Chigger bites can leave red bumps that itch intensely.
Chiggers are found throughout the United States and Canada. The most common species is Trombicula alfreddugesi. These pests are usually found in wooded areas or grasslands.
Chiggers bite during the night, usually between midnight and dawn. Most chigger bites occur on the feet, ankles, legs, arms, hands, face, neck, chest, back, buttocks, and genitals.
What Are Chiggers Like?
Chiggers are small, flat-body insects that resemble miniature ants. They have six segments and are about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long.
Their bodies are covered with short hairs that contain a substance called “honeydew.” When a person comes into contact with this honeydew, it causes itching.
Chiggers can be found anywhere that has standing water. They prefer damp environments, but they can also thrive in dry conditions.
Chiggers Vs. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat-bodied insects with a reddish brown coloration. Their bodies have six segments and they look like flattened wasps.
They are often mistaken for ticks because their body shape resembles those of ticks. However, bed bugs do not have barbed hairs as ticks do.
They are also known to carry diseases such as typhus, malaria, and trench fever.
The best way to identify these pests is by looking at them under a microscope.
How Do Chigger Bites Look Like?
A typical chigger bite looks like a small pimple filled with fluid. It may feel like an insect bite, but it will not hurt.
If you get bitten by a chigger, wash your entire body with soap and warm water. This should help reduce the amount of itching.
If you notice any other symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Can Chiggers Live in Your Bed?
Yes, chiggers can live in your bed. This means you will need to treat your mattress and box spring separately from your other furniture.
If you find chiggers in your home, it’s important to remove them immediately. You should wash all clothing, linens, and bedding items that come into contact with your bedding.
You should also vacuum up any loose dirt around your bed. Vacuuming can help prevent chiggers from hiding in places where they could be picked up by people sleeping in your bed.
How long can chiggers live in your bed?
It depends on several factors, including how much moisture there is in your mattress and whether or not you use an anti-mite product.
However, if you don’t keep your mattress dry, chiggers may survive for months. If you do use an anti-mite treatment, then chiggers will die within two weeks.
How to Prevent Chiggers From Living In My Bed?
There are many ways to prevent chiggers from living in your bed. Here are some tips:
• Keep your mattress clean and dry.
• Use an insecticide spray on your mattress.
• Wash bed sheets and pillowcases regularly.
• Remove clutter from your bedroom.
• Make sure your windows are closed tightly.
• Clean out your closet and dresser drawers.
• Check your shoes for signs of infestation.
How Long Do Chiggers Live on Clothing?
Chiggers can live on clothing for up to three days, depending on the type of fabric. Cotton is one material that is more likely to harbor chiggers than others.
How Long do Chiggers Live on the Human Body?
Chiggers can live on the skin for more than a year. It takes approximately three days for chiggers to hatch after being deposited onto a host.
Once hatched, chiggers begin feeding on the skin. Once they reach adulthood, they continue to feed until they die.
Chiggers tend to stay alive longer when temperatures are cooler. In warmer climates, chiggers may only live for one week.
Can Chiggers Spread from Person to Person?
Yes, chigger bites can spread disease. The most common diseases associated with chigger bites include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and trench fever. These diseases are transmitted through direct contact between infected hosts and non-infected hosts.
Bite treatment
If you find chigger bites on yourself or someone else, you should see a doctor right away. Itching can lead to infection.
If you suspect that you have been bitten by a chigger, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Then apply an over-the-counter antiseptic cream or lotion.
Do Not Scratch!
Scratching can cause serious infections. The bacteria from scratching can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, lungs, bones, joints, eyes, brain, and kidneys.
When you scratch, you put yourself at risk for developing tetanus, which is a disease caused by a bacterial toxin. Tetanus can cause muscle spasms, paralysis, and even death.
If you think you might have contracted chigger bites, call your doctor right away. He or she can prescribe medication to relieve the pain and itching associated with chigger bites.
When to see a doctor
Chiggers usually bite during the day. However, they can also bite at night. If you notice red bumps near your mouth or on your skin, see a doctor right away so he or she can diagnose the problem.
Chiggers can cause rashes, blisters, and sores. These symptoms can last anywhere from one week to three months.
If you develop any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You could be suffering from something worse than just a chigger bite.
Can Chiggers Live On Dogs?
Yes, chiggers can live on dogs. They will crawl into their fur and burrow under the hair. When it comes time to molt, chiggers will drop off of their bodies.
When Is The Chigger Season?
The chigger season occurs from March through October. During this period, chiggers are active throughout the United States.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid getting bitten by chiggers is to wear long pants and shirts, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. When you go outside, make sure that your clothes are tucked into your socks. This will help prevent chiggers from crawling into your shoes.
You can also use insect repellent to keep chiggers away. Insect repellents contain DEET (diethyltoluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other chemicals.
