What is a chigger?
Q: What is a chigger?
A: A chigger is a small, parasitic mite which lives in tall grass and is a member of the Trombiculidae family.
Q: What do chiggers look like?
A: Chiggers can range in color from bright red to brown and are almost too small to see with the naked eye.
Q: How long does it take for chigger bites to appear after being bitten?
A: Chigger bites usually appear 2-3 hours after being bitten.
Q: Where do chiggers typically bite?
A: Chiggers typically bite hot, moist places such as armpits, under the knees, and genitals.
Q: Where do chiggers live?
A: Chiggers live in forests and grasslands, low damp areas such as woodlands or berry bushes, along lakes and streams, lawns, golf courses, parks etc.
Q: When are there most numerous?
A: Chiggers are most numerous in early summer when grasses, weeds and other vegetation are heaviest.
Q: What species of chigger is common in North America?
A: The most common species of chigger found in North America is the hard-biting Trombicula alfreddugesi which can be found throughout the southeastern United States as well as humid midwest regions and Mexico.
