How to Prevent Chigger Bites
Chigger bites are itchy red bumps made by the larvae of some mites. Chiggers are too small to be seen, but there are some steps you can take to prevent getting bitten.
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Instructions
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Avoid damp areas with a lot of grass and other vegetation. Chiggers are most commonly found in tall grass and other leafy areas.
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Wear loose clothing.
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Use an insect repellent, especially around your sock-line and your shoes. Insect repellents with DEET usually work best, but check the warning labels before using these on children.
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Consider a sulfur-based powder or cream. These have been shown to reduce chigger bites.
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Take a shower after you've been outdoors in possibly chigger-infested areas. This will keep any stray chiggers from attaching to your skin. Or, if you can't take a shower, use rubbing alcohol to wipe down any areas of exposed skin.
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Wash your clothing before wearing it again, in case any chiggers have managed to get caught in your clothing.
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Tips & Warnings
Chiggers feed on the fluid in skin cells, and the chemical process that goes along with this is what creates the itch.
Try different options to repel chiggers to see which works best for you. These include insect repellent, sulfur powders and creams, and even flea powder.
While chiggers do not spread disease, the area of their bites can become infected. Be sure to keep any bites clean.
