It’s midsummer and if you haven’t yet encountered any chiggers, chances are you will before fall settles in. If you have lived in Texas for most of your life then you are familiar with chiggers and what they can do. If you are new to the area then there is a chance that you may not be too familiar with chiggers or even know what they are. Chiggers are sometimes called “red bugs” because of their color. Chiggers are actually not insects, they are the larval stage of mites that belong to the family Trombiculidae. Mites belong to the Acari, the same group of organisms as ticks. These “red bugs” or chiggers can get close to your home, especially if you live near a great deal of vegetation or wooded areas. If you have seen chiggers too close to your home for comfort, contact A-Tex Pest Control today to keep chiggers away from your home.
Chigger Bites & Infestations in Homes & Yards
No matter where you go, the chances that you run into chiggers are pretty high. Chiggers live in every country around the world, and their most favorite spots to gather include areas that are moist and grassy. Fields, forests and even your lawn are great places for chiggers to hang out. You can also find chiggers living near lakes and streams. Chiggers are so small that they are difficult to spot while you are taking a walk through the park with your kids or are out on the golf course with your buddies. Chiggers are not considered dangerous, but their bites are responsible for a terrible itching sensation that is difficult to get to go away. If you suspect that chiggers have gathered somewhere on your lawn or in your home, contact A-Tex Pest Control today.
The Spread of Chigger Bites Are On the Rise this Time of Year
Chiggers are most active when the ground temperature is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, when the ground temperature falls below 42 degrees Fahrenheit, the chiggers will die. So this time of year is a very active time for chiggers and many chigger bites are reported this time of year as well. If you walk or hike through an area that is occupied by chiggers, they will latch themselves onto your pants or shirt. Once they have successfully attached themselves to your clothing, they will immediately begin searching for a patch of skin. When they find a patch of your exposed skin, a chigger will use its sharp, jaw-like claws to make tiny holes. The chigger will then inject saliva that turns some of your cells into mush. It is this mush that the chigger feeds on. A chigger has the ability to stay attached to your body for several days while they eat. Chigger bites can happen anywhere on your body, but the most common areas include around the waist and lower legs. Often times chigger bites are not noticed while they are happening, but only afterward, once an extremely irritating itch has begun.
Chigger Pest Inspections, Prevention, Control & Removal in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
If you are struggling to keep chiggers away from your home, contact A-Tex Pest Control today to eliminate the presence of chiggers around your home and protect you and your family from their bites.