How to Find Chiggers in Grass

Chiggers are found in all types of grass.

Chiggers are an often misunderstood type of outdoor pest. Some people believe that chiggers burrow into your skin when they bite and stay there for days or weeks. A chigger does not burrow into your skin. In fact, you can actually wipe off a chigger while it's biting you. This is partly because humans are not a natural host for chiggers. They much prefer to bite reptiles and birds. Nonetheless, they sometimes attack humans and cause a persistent itch that can last for days. By finding chiggers in the grass, you can more effectively avoid them and their bite.

Things You'll Need

• Black or white object
• Magnifying glass

Instructions

1. Place an object within the blades of grass. A black or white object is best for finding chiggers.

2. Wait a few seconds. Chiggers are attracted to new things in their environment. Once they spot the object, they'll start to move toward it and eventually cluster. While one chigger is nearly impossible to see, a cluster is visible.

3. Move a magnifying glass over the object in the grass. If chiggers are clustered on it, you will be able to see them through the magnifying glass, and you will know that your grass has chiggers.

References

• Missouri Department of Conservation: Chiggers