How To Get Rid Of Chiggers
What Are Chiggers?
Chiggers are small six-legged creatures. They are classified as being larvae mites. Chiggers are parasites that prey on humans. Not only do chiggers attack humans, they will also prey on insects and other vertebrates. When a chigger bites you, a wheal is produced. This wheal is typically accompanied by severe itching of the affected area.
Will chiggers bite me in my house?
Although nothing is absolute, chiggers are most often found in tall grass or bushes. They are virtually unseen and will bite when they come into contact with bare skin. People who do a lot of yard work, or gardening often get bit by chiggers. So, it's a good idea to make sure your legs and arms are protected when you are working outside.
How do I get rid of chiggers?
If you spend a lot of time outside, it is wise to find out how to get rid of chiggers. One of the simplest ways is to treat your yard with a form of insecticide that combats chiggers. There a numerous products available, so you should have no problem finding the right one. You may need to treat your garden with insecticides as well.
Many people are against the use of insecticides in their yards and gardens. In this scenario, they may opt to use an insect repellant. Applying a repellent before you go outside can help you avoid chiggers. There are many brands of insect repellants. There are also many natural repellants that can be found.
Natural repellents use ingredients that are non-chemical. They are drug-free, posing no harm to you, or the environment. There are also websites dedicated to the composition of natural creams that repel insects, even chiggers. This may be an interesting option for you to consider.
It is also a good idea, to cut back tall grass and bushes. Areas where chiggers normally hide, are good places to cut. This will protect you from them and them from you.
Do I have to suffer through my chigger bites?
Chigger bites can be extremely uncomfortable, and itchy. The sensation to scratch can be overwhelming at times. There are many over-the-counter creams for insect bites. These can be used for chigger bites, too. There are also ointments to relieve the itching caused by these bites. Some people will find that they are allergic to these bites, and need to take an additional medication. In these cases, an antihistamine may be appropriate.
When in doubt, however, you may need to consult your health care provider. This is especially recommended if you are susceptible to allergic reactions. It is also worthwhile to monitor the site of your bite. Scratching can cause infection. But for those especially sensitive to insect bites, swelling can occur. This too may be a reason to consult your doctor. He or she may opt to prescribe a medicine or topical cream to relieve the symptoms of your chigger bite.
It is important to monitor all insect bites, just in case they are caused by something other than a chigger. Some spider bites, or other insect bites can be quite serious.
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