How do I combat chiggers?

Workstead · Jul 21, 2011

r8nger said:
Interesting read, are chiggers around in the northeast , ct? I've been itching around my ankles and knees after working in the garden, or feels like poison ivy, but I haven't been around it, I don't think.

Probably not a lot of them but here is a chigger map put out by a company that makes a "remedy."

Chigger Map of United States Chigger Concentration Locations

Congratulations, and welcome to the wonderful world of chiggers.

Clem

Haywire · Jul 21, 2011

200 gallon tank of malathion attached to a boom sprayer. That should subdue those chiggers for a while.

Workstead · Jul 21, 2011

Haywire said:
200 gallon tank of malathion attached to a boom sprayer. That should subdue those chiggers for a while.

Should I drink it straight from the sprayer or just stand under the sprayer? :laughing:

Clem

LeadPoison · Jul 21, 2011

Not even Chuck Norris can combat chiggers.

meangreanmashean · Jul 22, 2011

Old, leathery dermis.

Haywire · Jul 22, 2011

Have yourself laminated at the university book store. Make sure they trim the edges nicely.

Ian

Workstead · Jul 22, 2011

Well - at last - we're starting to get some real meaningful input.

Just like you would get down at the feed store.

psj12 · Jul 22, 2011

Chiggers are also called Harvest Mites and not related to the tick (Wikapedia). They do not burrow into or lay eggs in your skin. Once you start to itch, the chigger is already had his meal and is usually gone. After that all you can do is treat the skin inflamation.

They sell some clothing treatments (do not apply to skin) that work well. I don't know the brand name because I use a non-branded government version. It is supposed to be good for several washings. I slightly wet my boots with the spray and then my socks and lower pants legs. I then let them dry outside. It must work well because when I use the stuff I don't get chiggers or ticks. When I don't, I get covered. I live in the Oklahoma/Arkansas border area and the place is loaded with the pests.

Bdavis · Jul 22, 2011

Many years ago, when I was about 12 years old, I went blackberry picking with my friend. ( my Dad had told me I couldn't go but I went any way.)

Got a real bad case and you can guess where they were located!

My friend ( in hind sight I really don't think he was a friend- <Grin>) convinced me to put kerosene in that area.

Anyway I ended up at the Doctors office.

So my advice is don't disobey your parents and never use kerosene on chigger bites.