How can chigger bites be prevented?
Washing with soap and water after outdoor activity may remove any chiggers that may be migrating on the skin and prevent their bites. Likewise, washing clothing that was worn outdoors will kill any chiggers remaining on the clothing. Attention to the outdoor temperature can help with prevention of chigger bites. Chiggers do not bite at colder temperatures (below 60 F or 15.5 C). Chiggers also are not found in areas hotter than 99 F or 37.2 C, so hot rocky areas on sunny days can provide chigger-free seats. As with mosquito bites, proper outdoor clothing can help prevent chigger bites. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts as well as thick socks and high shoes or boots can help prevent infestation. Pants legs should be tucked into shoes or boots if possible. All mosquito repellents (such as DEET), applied to skin and clothing, are effective at repelling chiggers. Chiggers At A Glance • Chiggers are the larval (juvenile) form of a type of mite (Trombiculidae). • Chiggers do not burrow into
