Chiggers
Chiggers are tiny mites (related to spiders and ticks) that excrete enzymes to digest the skin of the host. Common belief is that chiggers burrow under the skin. They do not. Attaching themselves to the surface of the skin, they send out a feeding tube and imbibe the digested skin. These enzymes are what is responsible for the intense itching. (from WikiAnswers)
What we know about chigger larva:
Measures about 120th of an inch in size
Like thick darker wooded areas with dense leaves, bushes, dead decaying wood and bark and tall grass.
Larva is the active ingredient in chigger bites.
Chiggers like warm, moist snug places to bite.
Chiggers are not bloodsuckers.
Chiggers do not bore into the skin.
Chiggers are lazy.
Chiggers travel fast
Chiggers like to hang out in colonies. They also like to hang out where tall grass and bushes are thick. When hiking stick to trails and avoid wading into areas where grass is tall and plentiful. When selecting a camp site, look for a place clear of brush and grass as much as possible. Sunshine should be plentiful as should the free movement of air.
For outside treatment: You can also use sulfur dust (aka flowers of sulfur). Use the recommended rate. The action here is that sulfur dioxide (SO2) is formed by oxidation in the presence of sunlight and kills the pest. The sulfur will also kill other insects, possibly the beneficials as well.
Testimonies
1. We live in Central Texas where the chiggers are always bad, but this year tops all I’ve ever seen! We’ve tried Peppermint and Purify with little satisfaction. CLEANSING is the blend that everyone likes the best, and some even believe it works as a preventative. After spending some time outside in the garden or grass, I take a shower and then spray myself down with white vinegar (which is an excellent way to kill the chiggers before they burrow into your skin). Then if any are detected, I reach for the Cleansing.
2. I have camped in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and had great success with GERANIUM to repel ticks and chiggers. I literally doused myself twice daily with the oil. I also find the most relief from itchy chiggers and mosquito bites using PEPPERMINT.
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