How To Get Rid Of Chiggers

To effectively get rid of chiggers and prevent future infestations, focus on both personal protection and yard management:

Mow your lawn regularly and trim shrubs or bushes to eliminate tall grass and overgrown vegetation, which are preferred habitats for chiggers^[1]^[3]^[5].
Remove debris, leaf litter, and wood piles from your yard to reduce shady, moist spots where chiggers thrive^[1]^[3].
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas with tall grasses, near pet houses, or places where you suspect chigger activity. This non-toxic product dehydrates and kills chiggers^[1]^[3].
Discourage wildlife such as rodents and birds from entering your yard by securing trash cans, removing food sources, and sealing entry points^[3].
Apply essential oils (lavender, peppermint, tea tree, citronella, or thyme) as natural repellents around your yard, or consider using sprays containing these oils on exposed skin^[5]^[6]^[7].
Use DEET-based repellents on your clothing and exposed skin when in chigger-prone areas for added protection^[1]^[5].
Wear protective clothing such as long pants tucked into socks, especially when working or walking in grassy or wooded areas^[1]^[5].

If you find chiggers on your skin or experience bites, follow these steps:

Take a hot, soapy shower as soon as possible after exposure, scrubbing your skin with a washcloth to remove any attached chiggers^[2]^[4]^[6].
Launder clothing in hot water to kill any chiggers clinging to fabrics^[4]^[6].
Relieve itching and irritation with over-the-counter anti-itch creams (such as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone, or menthol), oral antihistamines, cool compresses, or colloidal oatmeal baths^[2]^[4]^[6].
Avoid scratching bites to prevent secondary infection; use antiseptic ointments if skin is broken^[4].

If you continue to experience severe symptoms, or develop signs of infection, consult a healthcare provider^[6].

Comments