Tiny pests can cause huge problems. While they won’t infest your home or destroy your property, chiggers can cause serious discomfort and possible medical complications when they attach themselves to your body. But what are these microscopic pests, anyway? Here’s what you should know about chigger control in Anna, TX.

What Are Chiggers?

Chiggers, aka trombicula mites, are incredibly small pests. Adults measure about 1/60 of an inch in length, while the larvae are an infinitesimal 1/150 of an inch in length. Like ticks and spiders, chiggers are arachnids with eight legs. They have no wings and red or orange coloration. 

Chiggers are commonly confused with clover mites based on their color and appearance. The difference is that chiggers are too small to be seen by the naked eye for most people, while at about 1/25 inch in size, clover mites are large enough to be detected. Whereas chiggers are typically found in tall grass and brush, clover mites are often found on pavement, stones, and bricks. And while clover mites are harmless to humans, chiggers can be a potential hazard.

Are Chiggers Dangerous?

Generally, you’ll only know if you’ve got a chigger problem from their bites. Chiggers are infamous for causing nasty rashes as a result of feeding on humans, but contrary to popular belief, chiggers don’t suck blood. Tiny chigger larvae attach themselves at the base of hair follicles and dissolve the surrounding skin which they then slurp up. The result is a painful, itchy rash that can blister and produce pus and possibly become infected if not properly treated. Chigger bites can be unsightly and are sometimes mistaken for scabies.

Scabies is caused by mites that burrow under the skin and feed on flesh. But while scabies is contagious, having chiggers is not. Scabies mites may infest clothing and bedsheets, but chiggers are unlikely to do so. It should also be noted that despite feeding on human skin, chiggers are not known to spread disease.

Where Do Chiggers Live?

Chiggers are typically found around heavy brush and wooded areas throughout Texas. Parks, golf courses, and other public areas with heavy vegetation are common habitats for these pests, along with lakes and rivers. Because they’re so difficult to detect, protecting yourself — or avoiding chiggers altogether — is key. 

You can defend yourself against chiggers by:

• Wearing long sleeves and socks. Although it’s not always easy in the summer heat, the simplest way you can protect yourself from chiggers is to wear long socks, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or sandals as much as possible.
• Staying in the open. Avoid walking through tall grass and brush. If you’re on a hiking trail, keep to the main path and try not to stray into the woods.
• Taking a shower. If you’ve been outdoors in an area where you suspect there may be chiggers, try to take a shower as soon as possible, as chiggers may wander on the body before feeding.
• Using repellent. Spray some insect repellent when spending time outdoors to deter chiggers and other pests.
• Calling the pros. Ongoing professional assistance is the most reliable way to protect you and your family from chiggers on your Anna property. Trained technicians can eliminate the chiggers you have and prevent future infestations.

If you’re experiencing chigger problems in Anna or simply want more advice on how to deal with these tiny pests, get in touch with Eco-Armor Pest Defense. We offer home pest control and commercial pest control solutions. With eco-friendly pest control options and guaranteed results, you can feel good about choosing our safe and effective treatments. Contact us today.