Easy Tips to Keep Chiggers Away

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 15, 2024

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Chiggers are tiny, red mites that are almost invisible to the naked eye. You might not even realize you’ve come across these tiny pests until you feel that intense itching. Chiggers, also known as harvest mites, thrive in grassy areas and gardens. Walking barefoot through grass puts you at risk of chigger bites and potentially bringing them into your home.

To control or eliminate chiggers from your yard and home, follow these practical steps.

Mow Your Lawn Regularly

One of the best ways to get rid of chiggers is to eliminate their ideal habitat. Chiggers thrive in tall grass, so keeping your lawn mowed regularly is essential. Pull any weeds and trim back shrubs, bushes, and trees to minimize dark, moist areas where chiggers can hide. Maintaining a neat yard reduces their ability to settle and spread.

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Treat Your Yard With Pesticides

Pesticides can be effective for managing chigger infestations, but safety is key. Always follow the instructions on the pesticide label and apply the treatment only to confirmed problem areas. Ensure pets and kids stay away from treated sections until the pesticide has fully dried. This approach can greatly reduce the chigger population in your yard.

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Keep Host Animals Away

Chiggers need a host to survive, and they often latch onto small animals like mice, raccoons, and even reptiles. If you live near wooded areas, you’re more likely to have these animals wander into your yard, bringing chiggers with them. To discourage this, eliminate any sources of food and water, cover trash cans securely, and trim back thick shrubbery where animals like to hide.

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Wash with Soap and Warm Water

If you find chigger bites on your skin, which look like small red bumps, it’s important to wash them off right away. A bath or shower with soap and warm water will help remove any chiggers still on your body. Be sure to wash your clothes, blankets, and any bedding to ensure all chiggers brought in from outside are gone. This simple step can prevent further itching and potential spread.

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Treat Your Pets

If your pets pick up chiggers, they will experience discomfort from bites too. Keeping your pets safe is important for their comfort and to avoid bringing chiggers into your home. Wipe your pet’s face with a warm, damp cloth and, if you notice them scratching, give them a bath with soap and warm water. It’s also a good idea to check with your vet for an itching remedy that’s safe for your furry friend.

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Ensure Your Home Is Chigger-Free

Once chiggers make it inside your home, getting rid of them quickly is crucial. Chiggers cannot survive in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so using heat is an effective method. Mop floors with hot, soapy water and wash clothing and bedding, drying them on the highest heat setting. These measures will help eliminate any lingering chiggers and reduce the risk of an infestation.

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Use a Repellant

Applying an insecticide in areas where chiggers are most active can help keep them at bay. Choose a product with ingredients like cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, esfenvalerate, or permethrin for the best results. Sprays tend to work better than granules, so target your treatment to known hot spots and repeat as necessary to keep the problem under control.

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Spread Diatomaceous Earth on Your Lawn

Diatomaceous earth is a natural option to help keep chiggers away. This powder is made from fossilized algae and acts as a natural pesticide. Sprinkle it in areas of your yard where you think chiggers may be present. Chiggers find diatomaceous earth unpleasant and will move away from treated areas. It’s an effective, non-toxic way to keep your yard safe and pest-free.

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Call a Pest Control Professional

If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with chigger problems, it might be time to call in a pest control expert. Professionals have access to stronger treatments and specialized equipment that can effectively handle the problem. An exterminator will inspect your property, identify the extent of the infestation, and create a tailored plan to remove the chiggers. Scheduling regular pest control treatments can also prevent future infestations.

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Take Preventive Measures

The best way to avoid a chigger problem is to take preventive steps. When spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves, long pants, and shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier, and apply insect repellent before heading out. Sulfur powder can also be effective as a repellent; sprinkle it on your socks or inside your shoes if you don’t mind the smell. Inside your home, make sure to vacuum often and bathe your pets regularly to keep any potential chiggers at bay.

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