Chiggers in Bed

Chiggers in Bed: How to Deal with This Unwelcome Visitor

Bed bugs, fleas, and ticks – are all pests that are unfortunately common in household environments. But there is another unwelcome guest that may be lurking in your bed: chiggers. If you’ve never heard of chiggers, it’s time to learn more about these tiny pests and what you can do to get rid of them.

What Are Chiggers?

Chiggers are tiny reddish mites that measure less than a millimeter. They often live in grasses, weeds, and wooded areas, where they feast on unsuspecting insects. But chiggers may also venture inside houses in search of a meal, which is where you—and your bed—come in. If you spend time outdoors in areas where chiggers are common, chances are that you may bring some of these critters into your home.

What Are the Signs of Chiggers in Bed?

Finding an actual chigger in your bed can be difficult because they’re so small. But there are some telltale signs that you may have an infestation on your hands:

• • Itchy Bites: Chiggers bite and attach to the skin, oftentimes around the ankles or between the toes. These bites can be incredibly itchy and may cause a rash.

• • Small Red Dots: You may also see red or purple dots on your sheets, which are likely the feces or eggs of chiggers.

• • Musty Odor: The presence of chiggers in your bed may also be accompanied by an unpleasant musty smell.

How to Get Rid of Chiggers in Bed

If you spot any of the signs of chiggers in your bed, it’s important to take action quickly. Here are some steps to get rid of these unwelcome visitors:

• • Wash bedding and clothing: Start by washing your bedding and clothing with hot water and detergent. This not only kills the bugs but also removes any eggs or feces.

• • Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum your entire bedroom, including beds, carpets, and furniture, paying special attention to cracks and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.

• • Daub with rubbing alcohol: Use a cotton ball to apply to rub alcohol to bites, as this may help to reduce itching and inflammation.

• • Inspect for new chiggers: After a few days, inspect your bed for any new chiggers. If you still see signs of these pests, it may be best to consult a pest control professional.

Take the time to inspect your bed for signs of chiggers, as these tiny pests can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort. Armed with the proper knowledge and preparation, you can get rid of chiggers in bed and enjoy a peaceful—and pest-free—night’s sleep.
Sleeping in a warm, comfortable bed provides individuals with a wonderful way to end the day, however, for some people, the idea of being in bed also brings along the fear of a potential undesired guest: chiggers. Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are mites related to spiders that fall in the same category as ticks.

Chigger bites are often accompanied by intense itching. Tiny red blotches that can become irritated and swollen are the hallmark of chigger bites. These mites are tiny to the naked eye and cannot be seen without the aid of a magnifying glass.

Though these mite infestations are found in numerous parts of the world, chigger-infested areas tend to be low-lying, humid, grassy, and woodsy areas. Thus, they can be brought into one’s bedroom via clothing or body parts when rubbing against infested vegetation.

The methods of preventing a chigger infestation are straightforward: Wash oneself and one’s clothes immediately after entering any areas where chigger mites could reside, and showering with a mild soap before going to bed might encourage any existing chiggers to leave the body. Reducing clutter in the home is also an important step, as chiggers are also known to infest furniture and bedding.

Ultimately, a chigger infestation can be brought under control by a combination of prevention and proper treatment. Properly treating the bites is essential, as chiggers, like other mites, can create a painful, disruptive experience if left untreated. There are several medications available both over-the-counter and via prescription medications that can be used to treat, prevent, and reduce chigger bites. Additionally, it is important to remember that chiggers are only found close to outdoor areas; they are not known to infest living room or office furniture.

Taking the necessary actions to both prevent and treat chigger issues can help make snuggling up in bed restful and soothing once again.

Also Read: Local Pest Control

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