Jonathan Hatch
How to Get Rid of Chiggers
(aka. Jiggers, Red Bugs, Harvest Mites)
Went for a walk in the woods and now you can't seem to stop itching? Does it look more like a small pimple than a complete rash? Chances are you've been bit by a chigger (Trombicula alfreddugesi), a small, red mite that feeds on any number of hosts, including humans, but most especially small rodents. Despite the rumors, chiggers (also known as jiggers, harvest mites, and red bugs) do not burrow into your skin, but their saliva will produce an allergic reaction that tends to itch like all get out. Below are some suggestions for those of us who can't stand chigger bites.
Chigger Bite Treatment:
Tamanu Oil has been used by the Polynesians for traditional medicines and healing ointments for a very long time. It can be scented or scentless, depending on the brand. It's a safe a natural alternative to commercial skin treatments found in pharmacies.
Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic, used to treat wounds and other skin disorders. Not only does it act as an antiseptic, but it can also be used as a fungicide. Its natural antibacterial properties make it perfect for treating chigger bites or treating bites that have become infected from scratching the skin.
Preventative Chigger Control
Chiggers live primarily in wooded areas where it's damp and shady, but come out to feed in tall grasses and places where they can hitch a ride on a passing host. Here are some tips for preventing a chigger infestation near your home:
A well trimmed yard will control jigger populations. Chiggers are feeders only when they're in their larval stages. Those larva will climb to the tops of long grasses and wait for you to pass by, so it's best to make sure you keep those grasses cut low, making it a less appealing place for chiggers to hang out.
Adult harvest mites live in the shade. Chiggers will tend to find moist, shady areas for shelter. If you keep your yard dry, open, and well drained, chances are you'll see a noticeable difference in chigger populations come Spring.
Wear protective clothing to prevent chigger and red bug bites. Chiggers tend to find places near clothing or joints where they can avoide being brushed away before their meal (you) is done. Wearing tight cuffs and tucking your pants into your socks when you're walking through wooded or chigger infested areas should reduce the risk of a chigger attack.
Sitting in one place will encourage chiggers to bite. Chiggers usually migrate from one patch of grass to another. If you're in an infested area, keep moving. Sitting in one spot will allow the mites more time to find a good place on your body to feed. 
Use DEET to keep chiggers away. Though you should use DEET sparingly, it is one of the few repellents that is proven to disuade chiggers from making you their new host. Remember to spray it around those areas that are most exposed.
Chigger Sprays and Ointments
There are a number of chigger and harvest mite insecticides available from online vendors thanks to the wonder of eCommerce. Chigger insecticides are usually sprayed around the yard once or twice during the spring, and perhaps another treatment in the fall when adult chiggers begin to find shelter and nest. Adult chiggers look like little red dots swarming under logs, bushes, and other shaded areas. Find those spots and spray them (most commercial insecticides will work), rather than wasting your money spraying your entire yard.
If you don't like the idea of spraying your yard, you might just want to accept the fact that you're going to be bit and invest in some chigger bite ointments. These too are available from different online vendors, saving you the hassle of making a trip to the store. Good luck!
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