Chigger Control
What Are Chiggers and Why Are They a Problem?
Chiggers are tiny, nearly invisible mites that can cause big problems when they bite. If you’ve ever found yourself covered in red, itchy welts after spending time in your yard or garden, chiggers might be the culprit. These pests are common in Central Arkansas.
Chiggers love hanging out in overgrown grass, weeds, and briar patches, but they can also find their way into well-kept lawns and shrubs. While they don’t spread disease in the U.S., their bites can cause intense itching and discomfort for days.
Life Cycle and Bite
Here’s how the chigger lifecycle works:
✅ Chiggers start as eggs and hatch into larvae.
✅ The larvae climb onto plants and wait for a passing human or animal to latch onto.
✅ Only the larvae stage feeds on people and animals, not the adults or nymphs.
✅ After 2–4 days of feeding, the larvae drop off and grow into nymphs and later adult mites.
When a chigger bites, it doesn’t burrow under your skin — that’s a common myth. Instead, it injects a fluid into your skin that breaks down tissue. The chigger then feeds on this dissolved tissue, which creates the itchy, red welts you experience. Bites typically show up where clothing fits snugly — ankles, waistbands, armpits — because that’s where chiggers are most likely to latch on.
Symptoms don’t usually appear right away. It can take several hours (or even a day) for the itching and welts to develop, making it tough to know exactly where you picked them up.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ DIY Lawn and Shrubs Treatments
If you have a chigger problem, treating your yard with insecticides can make a big difference.
Organic Solutions
Chemical Solutions
Unfortunately, these insecticides WILL have a significantly negative effect on pollinators and other beneficial insects. We do NOT recommend broad application of these insecticides unless absolutely necessary.
👉 Pro Tip: Focus on treating grass, shrubs, and other vegetation where people and pets spend time. If needed, reapply treatments after 2–3 weeks.
✅ Use Insect Repellents
Wearing insect repellent is an easy way to avoid bites.
DEET – Apply to clothing and exposed skin.
Permethrin – Treat clothing, but not skin.
Pay extra attention to areas where chiggers are most likely to bite — around the ankles, waist, and armpits.
✅ Clean Up Your Yard
Chiggers thrive in overgrown, damp areas. Keeping your yard tidy will make it less inviting for them:
Mow the lawn regularly.
Trim back shrubs and weeds.
Clear out piles of leaves and yard debris.
✅ Take Quick Action After Exposure
If you think you’ve been exposed to chiggers, act fast:
Take a hot, soapy shower as soon as possible. This will remove any lingering chiggers before they have a chance to feed.
If you develop itchy welts, apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or take an antihistamine to reduce discomfort.
Conclusion
Chiggers might be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to itching and discomfort. The key to protecting yourself is staying proactive — treat your lawn, wear repellent, and clean up your yard regularly. A little prevention goes a long way toward keeping your lawn chigger-free and comfortable all season long!