Chiggers In Minnesota

Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are tiny mites that live in warm, humid areas of Minnesota. They feed on the blood of mammals and humans but are not known to transmit any disease. While chiggers are usually harmless, their bites can be very itchy and some people may have a reaction to the mite bites such as swelling or redness.

Where do Chiggers Live in Minnesota?

Chiggers are found in warm, moist habitats in Minnesota, such as:

- Overgrown grasses and weeds

- Wooded areas

- Fields

- Lawns

- Gardens

- Ponds and lakes

Chiggers are most active in Minnesota in late spring and early summer when the weather is warm and humid.

How to Prevent Chigger Bites?

Chiggers can be very itchy and uncomfortable, so it’s important to take steps to prevent their bites. Here are some tips to help protect against chiggers:

- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks and wear a hat with a brim to help protect your face and neck from chiggers.

- Apply insect repellent. Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin on clothing and skin to help ward off chiggers.

- Avoid areas prone to chiggers. Be mindful to steer clear of areas where chiggers tend to reside, such as fields, grassy areas, and wooded areas.

- Check clothing and skin. After being outside, immediately check yourself and your clothes for chiggers and remove any you find.

If you do happen to get bitten by chiggers, use a cool compress or anti-itch cream to reduce the itching. If the itching persists, contact a healthcare provider for help.

Recently, many Minnesotans have been facing an unwelcome and often perplexing foe in the form of chiggers. Chiggers, otherwise known as harvest mites, are teeny tiny red velvet mites that are commonly found in areas with dense foliage and long grass.

Chiggers typically make their appearance in the summertime and early fall, and they like to take residence in areas with moist, warm climates. They usually live on the border of wooded and grassy areas, near leaf litter and other piles of organic material. Chiggers are also common around gardens and even in and around lake shores.

Though it may seem harmless, chiggers actually leave behind a nasty reaction. People who have been affected by chiggers typically report a feeling of itchiness, redness, and irritation; these sensations are otherwise known as allergic reactions caused by their saliva. The more time a person spends out in areas where chiggers frequent, the more likely they are to suffer from this reaction. While it isn’t life-threatening, the itching can last for a few days and can be incredibly aggravating.

Thankfully, there are ways to both prevent and cure chigger infestations. Whenever venturing out into areas where chiggers (and other pests) are known to exist, it’s always best to wear bright clothing and light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants. Applying insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin is also highly recommended.

If someone does find themselves with chigger bites, some home remedies may provide relief. Applying a paste of baking soda and water to the affected area has been observed to be incredibly effective, as can other methods like applying calamine lotion or taking an antihistamine. Additionally, a lukewarm bath and a gentle exfoliation can be used to soothe the skin.

All in all, it may seem like chiggers are a nuisance, but, with the right precautions and home treatments, they can be effectively combatted. Especially during the times of the year when they are most active, Minnesotans should be mindful of how to best protect themselves from these biting pests.