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Morning Open Thread Tuesday May 20, theme: chiggers [1]
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Date: 2025-05-20
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Note: I use a ‘theme’ for my diaries, in an attempt to keep my writings on a cohesive path while I compose the diaries. It is also fun to see comments that fit within that theme. However, here in MOTland, all topics are welcome, it is an open thread. There are no demerits for being so-called ‘off-topic’. Thanks!
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>>>This diary is about chiggers, an arachnid that causes itching. Thanks to DKOS member Treehuggeralways for the suggestion to write about insects that are here in rural SW MO (and many other places)
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Preview: Next Tuesday May 27, topic is ‘binary numbers in song titles’
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links: wiki: chiggers webmd chiggers
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From the wiki link above:
Trombiculidae, commonly referred to in North America as chiggers, but also known as berry bugs, bush-mites, red bugs or scrub-itch mites, are a family of mites. Several species of Trombiculidae in their larva stage bite their animal host and by embedding their mouthparts into the skin cause "intense irritation", or "a wheal, usually with severe itching and dermatitus". Humans are possible hosts.
Trombiculidae live in forests and grasslands and are also found in the vegetation of low, damp areas such as woodlands, berry bushes, orchards, along lakes and streams, and even in drier places where vegetation is low, such as lawns, golf courses, and parks. They are most numerous in early summer when grass, weeds, and other vegetation are heaviest. In their larval stage, they attach to various animals, including humans, and feed on skin, often causing itching. These relatives of ticks are nearly microscopic, measuring 400 μm (1/60 of an inch) and have a chrome-orange hue.
After crawling onto their hosts, they inject digestive enzymes into the skin that break down skin cells. They do not actually "bite", but instead form a hole in the skin called a stylostome and chew up tiny parts of the inner skin, thus causing irritation and swelling. The itching is accompanied by red, pimple-like bumps and skin rash or lesions on a sun-exposed area. For humans, itching usually occurs after the larvae detach from the skin.
After feeding on their hosts, the larvae drop to the ground and become nymphs, then mature into adults, which have eight legs and are harmless to humans. In the postlarval stages, they are not parasitic and feed on plant material. The females lay three to eight eggs in a clutch, usually on a leaf or among the roots of a plant, and die by autumn.
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From the webmd link above:
Their favorite spots are moist, grassy areas like fields, forests, and even your lawn. You can also find them near lakes and streams.
After they hatch from eggs, baby chiggers don't fly very far on their own. They tend to stay clumped together in large groups on leaves and grass, usually less than a foot off the ground, and attach to animals or people as they pass by.
In the U.S., chigger bites are most common in the late spring, summer, and early fall. The bugs are active when the ground temperature is between 77 and 86 F, and they can't survive once it gets colder than 42 F.
Do chiggers burrow under your skin? You've probably heard this before, but it's just not true. Chiggers have weak mouth muscles. They can latch onto you but can't go deeper than that. This myth likely started because as a chigger bite gets red and bulges, it can start to surround the chigger itself.
The clearest sign you've been bitten by a chigger: the itching. A few hours after you've been bitten, you'll have an urge to scratch – a lot.
The itching usually lasts for several days and can sometimes keep you awake at night. Aside from tiny red bumps, your skin could also get blisters or a hive-like rash that may take a week or two to heal. Scratching a chigger bite could break your skin and lead to irritation or an infection.
The best way to avoid chigger bites? Try to avoid places where they thrive, such as grassy or wooded areas. (Especially in summer – chiggers love hot, humid weather.)
When you do spend time outdoors where chiggers may be, use an insect repellent that has DEET or wear clothing treated with an insecticide like permethrin. As you put on bug spray, pay close attention to areas where chiggers might travel from clothing to your skin, like the waist of your pants and the tops of your socks.
Some studies show that natural sprays may help keep chiggers away. Try ones that have oils made from citronella, tea tree, jojoba, eucalyptus, geranium, or lemon grass.
And of course, don't make yourself an easy target for a hungry chigger. Wear long sleeves and long pants, with your pant legs tucked into long socks. Once you come inside, take a shower to wash off any chiggers that may have hitched a ride.
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Author’s note: a problem we have is that they can be on our pantlegs, and then get into the house after we come in from outdoors. So often we doff our pants (in the garage) and shake them before entering the house. And we always shower after being in the woods.
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OK another stretch out of the envelope for a quasi-related song, the jitterbug:
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