Chiggers can be a problem for anyone, but there are things that you can do to avoid getting bitten. First, make sure you are wearing the proper clothing. You should wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, thick socks, and high shoes. Also, make sure to fold the legs of your trousers into your shoes when you aren’t wearing them. You can also use insect repellents, which will help you avoid getting bitten.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural product that works wonders in getting rid of chiggers.
It can be sprinkled over overgrown areas to kill insects. It is also effective against fleas and cockroaches. Sprinkle it over tall grass and weeds, and water it to release the active ingredients.
You can get diatomaceous earth in different grades, including food and poor grades. Food-grade diatomaceous earth must be non-toxic and not contain any trace amounts of lead or arsenic. In addition, diatomaceous earth may be harmful to honeybees, so use it in small amounts and keep children and pets away from it.
Diatomaceous earth works by penetrating the wax covering the insects and creating wounds. It also absorbs the insect’s fluid and kills it. The results can be seen in as little as 24 hours, but full elimination can take days.
Permethrin
Permethrin is an effective insect repellent, and it is safe for use on clothing, backpacks, and camp furniture. When applied to clothing, permethrin repellents have a long-lasting effect and can be applied up to 60 days after treatment. To use a Permethrin repellent, make sure to follow all instructions and never spray into your eyes.
You can also try sulfur powder or plant-based repellents. These methods can be applied directly to clothing or the skin. However, these methods have not been widely accepted as effective chigger-repellents. Although many products made from natural plant oils are safe for human use, there are no proven studies to support their efficacy. You may need to experiment with the repellents and see which one works the best for you.
Insecticides
You can control the number of chiggers in your yard with insecticide sprays. These sprays contain permethrin and DEET, two compounds that are effective against pests. They can be applied to the skin directly or to clothing, as well as placed around plants. They are effective, but may not be a long-term solution. It is best to use insecticides that are designed for outdoor use.
To control the population of chiggers, try to minimize the number of habitats for them. This may mean mowing the lawn more often, removing weeds and shrubs, and removing unwanted vegetation. This is the most effective method.
Preventing chigger bites
Fortunately, there are several effective methods for preventing chigger bites. For one thing, you should not let them get into your home. You should treat outdoor areas regularly with pesticides, especially areas with vegetation. These pesticides are effective in killing chiggers. However, you should not use them in public areas or on livestock. In addition, you should protect your pets and children from being bitten by chiggers by using insect repellents. These products contain permethrin and diethyl toluamide, which will repel mosquitoes and chiggers.
Before entering your car or your house after spending time outdoors, you should change into protective clothing. Long pants and shirts with long sleeves should be worn. You should also wear hiking boots or tall socks. These items are recommended for outdoor activities as they limit movement and help to minimize the risk of getting chigger bites. Always wash clothing right after you get out of an area infested with chiggers, using hot water and soap to wash the skin thoroughly. You should also wash your camping gear and other items you used while outdoors. Keeping them in the wash will help reduce the chances of getting a chigger bite.
Other ways to get rid of chiggers
Chiggers thrive in damp, shady areas with lots of vegetation. They are also found in landscape beds and lawns. They feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Regular yard maintenance can prevent chiggers from infesting your home. Besides removing the pests themselves, there are other ways to get rid of chiggers.
Applying a topical corticosteroid to the affected area may help repel chiggers. However, you should be careful not to use it internally, or near the eyes. It is also important to avoid scratching chigger bites, as this may lead to irritation and infection.
Wear clothing that covers the skin. Clothing with long sleeves and pants is recommended. It is also important to wash your clothes in hot water after a camping trip or in the garden. If possible, wear clothing that tucks in. This will keep the chiggers away from your skin and minimize the number of bites you get.
