Chigger Heaven at RiverBend

During a recent trip to RiverBend I had an encounter with “chiggers,” and discovered what many already know, they are much worse than ticks. RB is apparently “chigger heaven” due to the undergrowth and grasses. When I returned home, I read up on the little buggers.

Interesting facts:

1. Deet is less effective.
2. They can go through loose weave clothing.
3. The allergic reaction can be systemic, but is usually local.
4. They don’t drink blood, but tissue liquefied by their saliva.
5. To prevent; avoid known areas, wear tight weave clothes, avoid hot afternoons (they are only active when soil temp is 60-86 F); use deet but powdered sulfur is better; keep moving.
6. Wash skin/clothes a quickly as possible.

There is a good write up in Wikipedia, and a very informative online info sheet from Ohio State University.