Chiggers in Ohio

Chiggers in Ohio!

Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are tiny mites that live in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas in Ohio. Chiggers thrive throughout much of the state, although their population density varies based on local environmental and environmental factors.

What Are Chiggers?

Chiggers are larvae of a species of mite in the family Trombiculidae. These tiny critters feed on small animals, birds, reptiles, and humans. They can bite humans and cause an itchy, red rash.

Where Can Chiggers be Found in Ohio?

Chiggers are found in wooded areas, grassy fields, and brushy areas throughout most of Ohio. They can be particularly common in areas near streams, riverbanks, and other sources of water.

How to Avoid Chiggers

If you are going to an area where chiggers are likely found, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips for avoiding chiggers:

• • Wear long clothing. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and protective boots or shoes to reduce the amount of skin exposed to chiggers.

• • Use insect repellent. Repellents containing DEET can be applied to clothes and skin to keep chiggers away.

• • Avoid sitting on the ground. Chiggers tend to congregate near the ground, so avoid sitting directly on the ground.

• • Check your clothing. Before entering your house, shake out any clothes, shoes, and hats that you have been wearing as chiggers may have attached themselves to them.

Treating Chigger Bites

If you are bitten by chiggers, it’s important to act quickly and take steps to reduce the itching and swelling. Here are some tips for treating chigger bites:

• • Wash the area. Wash the affected area with soap and warm water to kill any remaining chiggers and help reduce irritation.

• • Apply a cool compress. Apply a cool compress to the area to help reduce swelling and itching.

• • Take an antihistamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce itching and swelling.

• • Seek medical treatment. If the itching and swelling does not subside after a few days, you should see a doctor for medical treatment.

Chiggers can be a nuisance, but by taking the necessary precautions, you can reduce your chances of getting bitten and treat any bites that do occur.

Chiggers, otherwise known as harvest mites, harvest lice, or bed bugs, are a nuisance to many Ohioans every summer. Chiggers are tiny, six-legged larvae of mites, and are particularly common in areas of tall grass and open fields, as well as moist woodlands.

Their size (1/50 inch) and color (bright reddish-orange) make them hard to spot, and when larger concentrations of them are present, it’s easy to mistake them for batches of sand or dirt. Once they enter a person’s skin or clothing, they can cause considerable irritation and itching.

Chiggers tend to feed on humans during cooler early morning hours, and will usually leave the host when the weather gets hot. The larvae attach themselves to exposed skin with their jaws, inserting a tube-like organ for sucking fluids from the host. When these larvae detach from the host’s skin, they leave behind a pustule with several black dots which are the site of the feeding.

The most effective way to avoid chigger bites is to wear clothing that covers all exposed skin, particularly when spending time in grassy or wooded areas. Repellents can be used as an extra measure of protection. Popular brands may contain DEET or permethrin as active ingredients.

There are products available both over the counter and by prescription which can treat the itching and swelling caused by chigger bites. Keeping the affected areas clean and applying corticosteroids can also help.

At this time of year, it’s wise to always be prepared and take the necessary steps to limit the likelihood of chiggers getting on your skin or clothing. They may be small, and hard to detect, but the effects of their bites are long and drawn out and can make summer an uncomfortable time.

Also Read: Chiggers Yard Spray

Also Read: Chiggers Under Skin