How to Get Rid of Chiggers In Your House Naturally

If you have any chiggers, you may feel terrible and suffer from an itching even though no chiggers have gotten to you yet.

And the chiggers, who belong to the Trombiculidae tribe, are similar to ticks.

Both Chigggers and ticks are the arachnids that bite mammals, including humans. They stick to your skin because they want to get protein from you for living.

However, you don’t read our post to be scared. You have come here to find out how to eliminate chiggers naturally, and we will assist you.

What is a chigger bug?

Chigger bugs belong to the family of the arachnid family, and they are also known as red bugs. They are tiny larvae, but their bites are powerful, and it gives a sharp pain. They are so tiny in size that you will not be able to notice them. You won’t be able to see them when they jump from one tall blade to your skin. You won’t feel them on your skin while on your way home. Once you start them feeling on your skin, you will feel extremely itchy. 

They live in tall grass and weeds, in berry patches, and also in wooded areas. You might find them in your backyard, near your favorite hiking trail, or by the lake. They are mostly found in summer, fall afternoons, spring, and the times when the temperature is warm and inviting. They become inactive when the temperature falls below 60˚F (16˚C). They die when the temperature falls below 42˚F (6˚C).

Where do chiggers come from?

These small insects are found in almost all parts of the world. These red bugs are mostly found in low-lying, damp areas like forests, brush thickets, gardens, parks along the margins of swamps, lakes, and rivers where the area is damp. Chiggers thrive in places where grass and weeds are overgrown. 

Signs of Chigger Infestation

The most obvious sign of chigger infestation is the feeding activity of chigger mite larvae. You might also notice the appearance of nymphs or adult chiggers. They are barely visible in or on the soil and vegetation, so it is difficult with naked eyes to spot chiggers at any stage.

Any person infected with chiggers will see a lot of chiggers on them at one time. The most common locations to spot chiggers on the human body are around the groin area, the armpits, and any other body area where the clothing fits comfortably against the skin.  

Do chiggers stay on your skin?

Yes, chiggers stick to your skin with their sharp jaws. The sharp jaws eject enzymes inside the skin. The enzyme breaks down the host tissues and destroys them. The skin swells and gets hard. This results in the formation of the feeding tube known as stylostome. They feed on the destroyed tissues. 

Do chiggers bite?

Yes, chiggers have sharp jaws with which they bite the skin. After the bite of chiggers, the affected area gets swollen and red. If left for long, it causes irritation and scratching in the affected area. It is best to wash that area right away with anti-bacterial soap. 

Do chiggers bite dogs?

Chiggers cannot penetrate a dog’s body because of the fur. However, chiggers can attach themselves to a dog’s head, especially near the skin around the dog’s eyes and ears. It is best to get the dog get rid of the chiggers as soon as possible. 

You can wipe the affected area with a soft cloth or the recommended skin wipe for dogs. You can also treat your dog with a warm bath to make repel the chiggers. 

Can chigger bites spread?

Only one good thing about chigger bite is that it does not spread to other parts of the body. After the larvae finish feeding on the skin, it falls from the body. One needs to resist the urge to scratch. They need to wait for the skin irritation that looks like a rash to go away. 

Can chiggers live on your couch?

Chiggers can live in your beds, chair, couch, and other large pieces of furniture. They can creep from your couch and bite you from under. They are microscopic, so you cannot see them. They bite human beings, and they can lay eggs on the skin of human beings. 

Do chiggers burrow in your skin?

It is said that chiggers burrow into your skin, but in reality, they don’t burrow. They inject saliva inside the skin with their sharp jaws. The saliva contains a type of enzyme that breaks down the skin cells. This, in turn, becomes the food for chiggers and they can stay attached to your skin for days. It is a myth that chiggers suck blood from human bodies.

Does vinegar kill chiggers?

Chiggers hate vinegar! Before going outdoors, make sure to spray some white distilled vinegar on your clothes. This method is so effective that you might not want to switch to any other method once you start this. 

Does rubbing alcohol kill chiggers?

There is a misconception that rubbing alcohol kills chiggers, but this is not the case. Chiggers do not burrow inside the skin, so there is no way that rubbing alcohol will kill chiggers. It is said that chiggers burrow into your skin, but in reality, they don’t burrow.

Will bleach kill chiggers?

Locate the place where chiggers have bitten you. Don’t rub bleach directly on your skin. Dilute one part of bleach with ten parts of water. Stir the solution well. Now dip a cotton ball in the solution. Rub the cotton ball in the area where you’ve been bitten. The bleach will kill any chigger that is present on the skin. If you are able to wipe the cloth before the chiggers latch on to you, it will kill them instantly. After this, take a long hot shower as this will remove the bleach from your skin. 

Does diatomaceous earth Kill chiggers?

Chiggers disgust DE! Dust a little bit of food-grade DE on the bottom of your pants before leaving your house. Sprinkle DE on your ankles, socks, and also your shirt sleeves. This will kill all the chiggers present in your clothes. 

Regarding your lawn, spread the food DE to kill the chiggers. To get the best results, spread 5 pounds per 1000 square feet. 

Does apple cider vinegar kill chiggers?

Apple cider vinegar is a great remedy to kill chiggers. Put a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a bottle mixed with little water. Spray it in your clothes and also in places where there is chigger infestation. 

How long can chiggers live in your house?

Chiggers can stay for a long time inside your home. A chigger can survive inside the home for 50 – 70 days. These chiggers can stay on the carpet, the clothes. They can survive for 50 -70 when they have not been fed. Once a chigger feeds, they turn into adults, and adult chigger does not bite humans. Only the larvae bite the human. 

Do chiggers bite dogs?

Chiggers cannot penetrate a dog’s body because of the fur. However, chiggers can attach themselves to a dog’s head, especially near the skin around the dog’s eyes and ears. It is best to get the dog get rid of the chiggers as soon as possible. 

You can wipe the affected area with a soft cloth or the recommended skin wipe for dogs. You can also treat your dog with a warm bath to make repel the chiggers.

What eat chiggers?

Chiggers are eaten by other bigger insects. Spiders, birds, beetles, lizards, and salamanders are the other small creatures who eat chiggers. 

How to get rid of chiggers in your home Naturally

• Lawn Mowing 

Chiggers love to spend time in weeds and tall grass. If your lawn is not mowed from time to time, chances are chiggers are going to make it their new home. Keep the grass short to prevent chiggers infestation. Chiggers face difficulties surviving in short grass.

• Chigger repellent plants

Chiggers hate marigold plants. Marigold plants are natural repellants for chiggers, and you will not see a chigger infestation near marigold plants. Not only will it keep the chiggers away but also increase the beauty of your garden. Mint is another chigger repellant plant. The aroma of mint is what keeps the chiggers away. Mountain mint is the best plant to keep ticks and chiggers away. Mint will also spread a great aroma in your garden.  

• Diatomaceous Earth

For this natural process, use only food-grade diatomaceous earth. You can use it on your lawn and your clothes. Chiggers disgust DE! Dust a little bit of food-grade DE on the bottom of your pants before leaving your house. Sprinkle DE on your ankles, socks, and also your shirt sleeves. 

Regarding your lawn, spread the food DE to prevent chiggers. To get the best results, spread 5 pounds per 1000 square feet. 

• Panty Hose 

When you know you can’t immediately throw off chiggers, then you can wear pantyhose. Wear it under your underwear as the chiggers can’t bite through this type of material. You can use this method in places where you have no control, but you know that place is infested with chiggers. 

• Sulfur

You can use sulfur in different ways to repel chiggers. One method is to use Sulfur Powder. Sprinkle some sulfur powder on your shoes and clothes before going out of your house. Chiggers disgust the smell of sulfur, so they are unlikely to crawl up on your clothes. 

Sulfur Pellets: You can throw sulfur pellet around your lawn area to dispel the chiggers. You can use this method just before it becomes extremely hot outside. If you have pets, then this method is not recommended as they might unknowingly sniff or eat the pellets.  

Sulfur Supplements: This is an old-school method but effective. If you take sulfur tablets, then all types of bugs will stay away from you. However, before you start gulping down sulfur tablets, it is recommended to consult your primary physician. If you have any medical condition, then it is best to take advice from a doctor. 

• Vinegar

Before going outdoors, make sure to spray some white distilled vinegar on your clothes. This method is so effective that you might not want to switch to any other method once you start this. 

• Garlic

Consuming garlic is considered to be a great method to repel insects, including chiggers. It is also a mosquito repellent. 

• Take a shower 

After spending time outside, and especially in places where you suspect there may be some insect infestation, it is better to take a shower when you come back home. As chiggers take time to pierce the skin, taking a shower will disperse them. It is recommended to use anti-bacterial soap.  

• DIY Chigger Repellent made with essential oils

You can make a great chigger repellent with the following essential oils: 

 First, you need four tablespoons of water, and then add witch hazel (2 teaspoons). After that, add five drops of different essential oils (thyme, lemongrass, lavender, tea tree, and lavender). Now, mix all of these wells and spray them on your skin. 

How to Treat chigger bites?

There are many ways to treat chigger bites. Every treatment is different from the other, and every person’s reaction to these treatments is not the same. So you need to see which treatment suits you. Firstly, you need to see whether there are any chiggers present on your skin. Check especially near your groin, bra line, and waistline. It is said that chiggers burrow into your skin, but in reality, they don’t burrow. They inject saliva inside the skin with their sharp jaws. The saliva contains a type of enzyme that breaks down the skin cells. This, in turn, becomes the food for chiggers, and they can stay attached to your skin for days. It is a myth that chiggers suck blood from human bodies. They do not transmit any type of disease. However, because of the bites, the affected area can get infected.  

Use these methods to relieve the pain from chigger bites. 

1. Wash with soap and water when you see any bites. 
2. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone to relieve itchiness. 
3. Do a cold compress on the affected area. 
4. Do not take a hot bath or shower; instead, take a cold shower if possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiggers live on carpet?

Yes, chiggers can live on the carpet. However, after 50 – 70 days, the chigger larvae die. If they latch to a human being, they feed for 3-4 days and then drop. If you want to remove chiggers from your carpet, use your vacuum cleaner to clean it. 

Can chiggers live in your clothes?

A chigger will stay on your clothes for few hours, looking for an opening to feed. If not, the larvae will latch on the clothes for a few days and drop them off. 

Does sulfur kill chiggers?

Yes, sulfur can kill chiggers. Chiggers cannot survive where there is sulfur. You can use sulfur in different ways to repel chiggers. One method is to use Sulfur Powder. Sprinkle some sulfur powder on your shoes and clothes before going out of your house. Chiggers disgust the smell of sulfur, so they are unlikely to crawl up on your clothes. 

Does bifenthrin kill chiggers?

Yes, bifenthrin can kill chiggers. Apply it in an area where the chiggers harbor. Apply it at a rate of 1oz. to 1 gallon of water. Apply it in the lawn area and the lawn edges. 

Does permethrin kill chiggers?

Yes, permethrin can kill chiggers. It is best to spray on your clothes 1 or 2 days before wearing them. Permethrin also kills other types of bugs. 

How long do chiggers live without food?

The larvae can survive without food for 30 days. As soon as it gets a host, it starts feeding and stays for 2-3 days. They cannot survive on humans for more than three days.