Chiggers

Chiggers are an annoying summer visitor. They are the immature stage of certain mites that belong to the family Trombiculidae. Chiggers are hard to see but you will know you have them by the intensely itchy welts that they leave after biting. They do not burrow under skin nor do they suck blood. They use sharp mouth parts to pierce skin and inject a digestive enzyme that disintegrates skin cells. They use this material as food. You may not notice the bite for several hours as skin envelopes the feeding chigger – which gives the appearance of burrowing under the skin.

For control of chiggers, we recommend applying Essentria G Granular Insecticide or Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide to grassy areas that may be infested with chiggers.