{"id":926,"date":"2022-04-12T00:29:33","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T00:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/?p=926"},"modified":"2023-08-01T20:39:54","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T20:39:54","slug":"how-to-identify-chiggers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Identify Chiggers (House, Yard &#038; Bites)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Summertime is a great time to be outside, enjoying the warm weather and spending time with family and friends. However, if you&#8217;re one of the unlucky people who gets bitten by chiggers, it can quickly turn from a fun summer day into an itchy nightmare! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In this article, I&#8217;ll discuss what chiggers are, how to identify them, and how to distinguish their bites from other pests. Plus, I have even more resources to help you reduce the impact these critters have on your family&#8217;s fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Keep reading for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Chigger\"><\/span>What is a Chigger?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_52 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-65f4012897a00\" ><span class=\"\"><span style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input aria-label=\"Toggle\" aria-label=\"item-65f4012897a00\"  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-65f4012897a00\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#What_is_a_Chigger\" title=\"What is a Chigger?\">What is a Chigger?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Where_will_you_find_chiggers_in_your_area\" title=\"Where will you find chiggers in your area?\">Where will you find chiggers in your area?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Where_will_chiggers_hang_out_in_your_home\" title=\"Where will chiggers hang out in your home?\">Where will chiggers hang out in your home?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#What_does_a_chigger_bite_look_like\" title=\"What does a chigger bite look like?\">What does a chigger bite look like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#How_to_identify_a_chigger_bites_and_other_pests\" title=\"How to identify a chigger (bites and other pests)\">How to identify a chigger (bites and other pests)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Clover_mites_vs_chiggers_Bites\" title=\"Clover mites vs chiggers Bites\">Clover mites vs chiggers Bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Seed_ticks_vs_chiggers_bites\" title=\"Seed ticks vs chiggers bites\">Seed ticks vs chiggers bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Chiggers_vs_mosquito_bites\" title=\"Chiggers vs mosquito bites\">Chiggers vs mosquito bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Chinch_bugs_vs_chiggers_bites\" title=\"Chinch bugs vs chiggers bites\">Chinch bugs vs chiggers bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Chiggers_vs_fleas_bites\" title=\"Chiggers vs fleas bites\">Chiggers vs fleas bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Chiggers_vs_bedbugs_bites\" title=\"Chiggers vs bedbugs bites\">Chiggers vs bedbugs bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Chiggers_vs_mites_bites\" title=\"Chiggers vs mites bites\">Chiggers vs mites bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Poison_ivy_vs_chiggers\" title=\"Poison ivy vs chiggers\">Poison ivy vs chiggers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Other_Characteristics_of_Chiggers_you_should_Know\" title=\"Other Characteristics of Chiggers you should Know\">Other Characteristics of Chiggers you should Know<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#Are_Most_Active_During_Summer\" title=\"Are Most Active During Summer\">Are Most Active During Summer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#They_Are_Attracted_to_Movement\" title=\"They Are Attracted to Movement\">They Are Attracted to Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#They_Are_Found_in_Wooded_Areas\" title=\"They Are Found in Wooded Areas\">They Are Found in Wooded Areas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#They_Are_Not_Contagious\" title=\"They Are Not Contagious\">They Are Not Contagious<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#They_Do_Not_burrow_Into_the_Skin\" title=\"They Do Not burrow Into the Skin\">They Do Not burrow Into the Skin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/how-to-identify-chiggers\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/What-is-a-Chigger.png\" alt=\"What is a Chigger\" class=\"wp-image-1061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/What-is-a-Chigger.png 600w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/What-is-a-Chigger-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers are the larvae (immature stages) of certain mites in the family Trombiculidae. They are also sometimes called redbugs or harvest lice. It&#8217;s interesting to note that only the female chigger bites and feeds on animals or humans, which is also the case for mosquitos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Contrary to popular myths, chiggers do not burrow into the skin (you are thinking of the mites that cause scabies), but they pierce it and insert their feeding tube into small blood vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Once attached to a viable vessel, chiggers will feed for several days, during which time they swell to many times their original size as they fill with blood. After several days, the chigger falls off the host and molts into its next stage of development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Another interesting thing about these animals is that once they have developed into the next stage of their life cycle they are no longer parasitical but develop predatory characteristics instead. Well, I find it interesting at least!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers have several characteristics that help to distinguish them from other mites. They are very small, usually less than 1\/150 of an inch (0.17 mm) long. Chiggers are yellowish-orange or red and have six legs during this phase of life (all other mites have eight legs as adults). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The front two legs of the chigger are much larger than the back four legs and end in sharp claws. Chiggers also have a short, stubby body that is widest in the middle and tapers towards the ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Get rid of pests hassle-free! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Call <a href=\"tel:8663730169\" data-type=\"tel\" data-id=\"tel:8663730169\">866-373-01-69<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">for immediate local assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_will_you_find_chiggers_in_your_area\"><\/span>Where will you find chiggers in your area?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Where-will-you-find-chiggers-in-your-area.png\" alt=\"Where will you find chiggers in your area\" class=\"wp-image-1063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Where-will-you-find-chiggers-in-your-area.png 600w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Where-will-you-find-chiggers-in-your-area-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers are found in many areas of the world, including the United States, where they are most common in the southeastern states. However, you will find them popping up in almost all states with two exceptions. (Read my full article about<a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/chiggers-in-the-usa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> where to find chiggers in the USA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers generally live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas and are often found near ponds or streams. They commonly infest lawns, parks, golf courses, and other recreational areas. Chiggers can also be found in wooded areas, around stumps or fallen logs, and in leaf litter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">When exploring these areas between spring and summer, it&#8217;s best to take precautions against chiggers. I go over some prevention and treatment options for chigger bites in my article all about <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/identify-chigger-bites\/#Treatments-For-Chigger-Bites\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/identify-chigger-bites\/#Treatments-For-Chigger-Bites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chigger bites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_will_chiggers_hang_out_in_your_home\"><\/span>Where will chiggers hang out in your home?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In my experience, you are much more likely to fall victim to a chigger and its itchy bite while outside. Nevertheless, these little bugs do often find themselves in the homes of Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In fact, it&#8217;s easier to have a chigger infestation than you might think. All it takes is for one of the arachnids (yep, technically not an insect) to hitch a ride on your clothing or shoes and into your house, they go. Once inside, they&#8217;ll usually stay close to where they came in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">So, after you&#8217;ve had a long walk through tall grass in the local woods, you might want to take a close look at your mudroom or foyer \u2013 that&#8217;s likely where you&#8217;ll find any chiggers that have hitched a ride from the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">As for getting rid of them, regular vacuuming and dusting can help get rid of any chiggers that might be present in your home. These bugs are actually quite slow-moving, unlike fleas or cockroaches, and an instant laundry wash and a shower is a good <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/crickets-behind-fridges\/\">way to get rid<\/a> of them too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If your backyard is attractive to chiggers, they can also wander into your home from there. Be sure to keep the grass trimmed and remove any piles of leaves or other organic debris. These are all potential homes for chiggers, so by keeping your yard clean, you can help prevent an infestation in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">It&#8217;s also a good anti-pest policy to check your home each year (or a couple of times) for even the tiniest of entry points. Caulk any cracks in your foundation or seal any gaps around doors and windows to help keep these (and other) pests out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Also, check your basement and garage for water leaks and dampness because this environment will be a haven for chiggers (and many insects too).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you do find chiggers in your home, don&#8217;t hesitate to call a professional exterminator. While these pests are not dangerous, they can be quite a nuisance. A good <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/venus-flytraps-pest-control\/\">pest control<\/a> company will be able to get rid of them quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/pest-control-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Call-an-expert-exterminatior.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Call-an-expert-exterminatior.png 800w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Call-an-expert-exterminatior-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Call-an-expert-exterminatior-768x192.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_chigger_bite_look_like\"><\/span>What does a chigger bite look like?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chigger bites usually appear as small, red bumps on the skin. The bumps may be raised or flat and are often clustered together in a small area. Unlike mosquito bites, which are typically painless at first, chigger bites are often quite itchy. I&#8217;ve actually spent quite a bit of time putting together a full article about <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/identify-chigger-bites\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/identify-chigger-bites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">identifying chigger bites<\/a>, so you can learn more by reading it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">In some cases, the itching can be so severe that it leads to secondary infections from scratching. If you have any doubts about what has bitten you or you are finding it extremely uncomfortable, visit your local pharmacy or doctor for more advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_identify_a_chigger_bites_and_other_pests\"><\/span>How to identify a chigger (bites and other pests)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Treating-Chigger-Bites.png\" alt=\"Treating Chigger Bites\" class=\"wp-image-1023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Treating-Chigger-Bites.png 600w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Treating-Chigger-Bites-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you or a member of your family has been bitten by some nasty bug, you may assume it&#8217;s a chigger. However, sometimes their bites can be easily confused with the bites of other bugs or insects. So, below I&#8217;d like to briefly take you through some of the commonly misidentified insect bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clover_mites_vs_chiggers_Bites\"><\/span>Clover mites vs chiggers Bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Clover mites bites are quite different compared to the chigger bites. For one, clover mite bites are not itchy. In fact, you might not even feel them. And two, clover mites feed on plants\u2014not animals or humans as chiggers do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">So if you have been bitten, it&#8217;s certainly by some other type of bug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seed_ticks_vs_chiggers_bites\"><\/span>Seed ticks vs chiggers bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Seed tick bites also look quite different from chigger bites. Seed ticks are larger\u2014about the size of a freckle or small mole. And their bites tend to be more raised and red, with a small white center. They also tend to occur in groups, which can be the reason they get confused with <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/pet-chiggers\/\">chigger bites<\/a>, which also present in small groups as several chiggers may feast together in the same area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chiggers_vs_mosquito_bites\"><\/span>Chiggers vs mosquito bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chigger bites can be mistaken for mosquito bites. Both insect bites will appear as red, raised bumps on the skin. However, there are a few key differences. <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/natural-ways-to-treat-chiggers-bites-that-really-work\/\">Chigger bites<\/a> are usually much itchier than mosquito bites. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/chiggers-in-yard\/\">chigger bites<\/a> tend to occur in groups of three or more, whereas mosquito bites are usually singular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I once had a mosquito bite that was so swollen my entire elbow grew by at least three times. A chigger bite wouldn&#8217;t normally result in such swelling in such a short period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chinch_bugs_vs_chiggers_bites\"><\/span>Chinch bugs vs chiggers bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Perhaps the most difficult bites to distinguish are those between chinch bugs and chiggers. Both insect bites will appear as red, raised bumps on the skin. However, chinch bug bites are usually much itchier than chigger bites (which themselves are very itchy).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Another area of confusion is that both chinch bug bites and chigger bites tend to occur in groups of three or more. That being said, if you have only been intercepted by a sole chigger, you will only receive one bite area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chiggers_vs_fleas_bites\"><\/span>Chiggers vs fleas bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chigger bites can be and often are mistaken for flea bites. Just like many similar insect bites, these two animals will give you bites that appear as red, raised bumps on the skin. However, there are a few key differences. Chigger bites are usually much itchier than flea bites. Additionally, chigger bites tend to occur in groups of three or more, whereas flea bites are usually singular and far less concentrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chiggers_vs_bedbugs_bites\"><\/span>Chiggers vs bedbugs bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Another common misidentification is the bites of bedbugs and chiggers. If you are bitten by either species you will have the same red and raised bumps in a similar way as many bites present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you are &#8216;fortunate&#8217; enough to be bitten by a <a href=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/does-flea-spray-kill-bedbugs\/\">bed bug<\/a>, you won&#8217;t suffer quite as much as if a chigger bit you. You&#8217;ll also find bed bugs tend to attack you all over your body, whereas chiggers rarely make it much farther than the tops of your legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chiggers_vs_mites_bites\"><\/span>Chiggers vs mites bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">It can be quite difficult to tell if you&#8217;ve been bitten by a chigger or a mite unless we are talking about  Sarcoptes Scabiei. The bites from both animals will appear as irritated, raised bumps on the skin and they can both be pretty itchy wounds to receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you have been attacked by the Sarcoptes Sabiei mite, then the bites will spread all over your body if left untreated. Scabies is caused by a burrowing mite, whereas chiggers (juvenile mites themselves) only bite into the skin. If the bite areas seem to be spreading, contact your doctor quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Poison_ivy_vs_chiggers\"><\/span>Poison ivy vs chiggers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Poison ivy is often confused with chiggers. Poison ivy is a plant that can cause an itchy rash when the sap comes into contact with the skin. Chiggers are tiny arachnids that bite humans and animals, causing an itchy rash. While both can cause an itchy rash, they are not the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Characteristics_of_Chiggers_you_should_Know\"><\/span>Other Characteristics of Chiggers you should Know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-To-Identify-Chigger-Bites.png\" alt=\"How To Identify Chigger Bites\" class=\"wp-image-1021\" width=\"675\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-To-Identify-Chigger-Bites.png 900w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-To-Identify-Chigger-Bites-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-To-Identify-Chigger-Bites-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Most_Active_During_Summer\"><\/span>Are Most Active During Summer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers tend to be most active during the summer months. This is because their preferred host, white-tailed deer, is also most active during this time. As a result, chiggers are more likely to be found in areas where there is a high density of deer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"They_Are_Attracted_to_Movement\"><\/span>They Are Attracted to Movement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers thought slow movers themselves, will sense when wild game is moving and will position themselves to intercept these potential hosts.  Of course, these little arachnids cannot tell the difference between you or your pet moving through long grass and their preferred wild hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">When they sense movement, they will move towards it in the hopes of finding a suitable place to snack. So avoiding long grass and brushland is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"They_Are_Found_in_Wooded_Areas\"><\/span>They Are Found in Wooded Areas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers love to hang out in forests, pretty much anywhere with lots of trees. This is because their preferred host, white-tailed deer, is also most often found in these areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Of course, these woodlands don&#8217;t need to be in the middle of the wilderness. Your local park or footpath can be teeming with chiggers just waiting for a ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"They_Are_Not_Contagious\"><\/span>They Are Not Contagious<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Chiggers are not contagious. This is because they do not transmit any diseases. Additionally, they only attach to the skin for a short period of time before falling off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">However, you can certainly get infected wounds if you scratch the bites too much. This is why you need to treat the bites as soon as you notice them and get the itchiness under control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"They_Do_Not_burrow_Into_the_Skin\"><\/span>They Do Not burrow Into the Skin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">One of the most common misconceptions about chiggers is that they burrow into the skin. This is not true. Chiggers only attach to the skin for a short period of time before falling off. If you have a burrowing mite in your skin, then you are falling victim to Sarcoptes Scabiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/skin-problems-and-treatments\/prevent-treat-chigger-bites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chigger-bites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehealthy.com\/first-aid\/bug-bites\/chigger-bite-vs-bed-bug-bite\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.thehealthy.com\/first-aid\/bug-bites\/chigger-bite-vs-bed-bug-bite\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summertime is a great time to be outside, enjoying the warm weather and spending time with family and friends. However,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1062,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/926"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=926"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2505,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/926\/revisions\/2505"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homelesspests.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}