Chiggers In Pennsylvania

Chiggers in Pennsylvania!

Chiggers, or redbugs, are tiny mite that is commonly found in the brush and grasses in Pennsylvania and beyond. They come out in the summer and can be a major nuisance for anyone who ventures outdoors.

What Do Chiggers Look Like?

Chiggers are very small, only about 1/150 of an inch in length. They are barely visible to the naked eye and look a bit like reddish-orange specks. They are found in places with high humidity, such as tall grass and weeds, during the summer months.

What do Chiggers Do?

Chiggers feed on the skin of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They attach themselves to the skin and inject a substance that helps them break down the skin cells, which they then feed on. This leads to intense itching, which can be very uncomfortable and even painful.

Preventing Chigger Bites

To prevent chigger bites, it is important to take the following steps:

Cover up. Wear clothing that fully covers your arms and legs, as well as shoes and socks. Tucking in your shirt and pantlegs can also help.
Avoid Tall Grass. Whenever possible, stay away from tall grass, weeds, and other areas where chiggers may be found.
Use Repellent. Consider using a bug repellent on your skin, clothing, and shoes to make yourself less attractive to chiggers.

Chigger Bite Treatment

If you do happen to get chigger bites, there are a few steps you can take to help relieve the itching and discomfort.

Cool Bath. Taking a cool (not cold) bath or shower can help reduce the itching.
Antihistamines. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can also reduce itching and inflammation.
Topical Creams. Applying a topical cream or ointment that contains hydrocortisone can help soothe the affected areas.

Chiggers can be an unfortunate part of a summer picnic or outdoor adventure in Pennsylvania. However, by taking a few simple precautions and steps to treat any bites that occur, you can greatly reduce your chances of being bitten by these tiny pests.

Chiggers, sometimes referred to as red bugs, are a relatively common problem in Pennsylvania. Though chiggers pose a significant annoyance to humans, they are harmless and are usually just an itchy nuisance.

Chiggers are small mites that are red or orange in color. They can mature to adult size within three days and have a unique three-stage lifecycle. Chiggers feed on humans, animals, and birds by attaching to their skin and sucking blood.

Chiggers are most active in the spring and summer months when they congregate in grassy, wooded, and marshy areas. They love moist, shady environments and can be found in flowerbeds and grassy areas, as well as near animal burrows. They can also be carried by animals and humans, particularly after contact with an infested area.

People can take steps to protect themselves from chiggers in Pennsylvania. Wearing appropriate clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, will help keep them off the skin. Insect repellents that contain DEET are also effective, though some people may prefer using other repellents, such as citronella or eucalyptus oils.

If a person does get triggered, taking a hot bath or shower and using plenty of soap will help to remove the mites from the skin. Calamine lotion can be used to help alleviate the itching. Those who suspect they have chiggers should consult a doctor or physician for further advice.

Though chiggers can be annoying, they are generally harmless to humans. Taking a few simple precautions when venturing into wooded, grassy, or marshy areas will help prevent them from becoming a problem.