Tall grass and low balls don't mix!

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
Chiggers burrow into the skin. Usually around the belt area. Takes a while for the body to expel them. Meanwhile, try to tolerate the itch.

That's my experience from a Chigger assault at a camp ground outside Cincinnati Ohio, many years ago.

Little Bastards left their mark on my skin for several months.

That is not true, and is a myth. Chiggers do not burrow in. They bite, inject some nasty saliva and feed on skin for a while. Then they drop off, but the stuff they inject into you makes the bite itch for days or even a week.

They do not need to be smothered or removed. They aren't there. Use bug repellent. (Sulphur used to be used but DEET is better.) Stay out of high grass - the cling to grass and grab on to mammals as they brush by. Tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants can help prevent them from getting to your skin. That is why the bites tend to congregate at the belt line, they can't get down into your pants.

I've never had much luck getting the itch to stop once they bite. The bastards just itch.

Bleach in the bath water worked for me and my ex.

Caladryl, or, if you can find some in time, Apinol.

I got a bad case of those things on me a couple of years ago. Got me from the ankles all the way up to the hole and the pole. Was just trying to mow the tall grass down by the street from my property. Huge mistake. I now mow with a trash bag on each leg taped at the top with duct tape. Also, spray myself with deep woods off. I hope I never have to deal with those little bastards again.

quote:

Originally posted by mr kablammo:
Is using nail polish to suffocate them still considered valid?

No. They eat until full then drop off on their own. Happens pretty fast. They are probably already gone before you can kill them. The itch is a lingering allergic reaction to their saliva IIRC.

I hate to recommend this (don't burn yourself) but I shower the area with water as hot as I can stand it, then pat dry and coat with anti itch or aloe-vera. Gives a few to several hours of relief usually.

Benadryl may help.

Gold Bond anti itch cream works for me. I nearly lost my mind before I discovered Gold Bond. You have to reapply it every three to four hours but it works.

I missed the Walmart trip this morning, but there's aloe in the closet. Heading there now.

(Mumbles various foul words, scratching his ankles awkwardly as he heads down the hall....)

I've had good results with lavender oil to relieve the itching.

quote:

Originally posted by vic40204:
Bleach in the bath water worked for me and my ex.

We used to spray down with Avon skin so soft. Ankles, belt line, arms etc. This prevented getting bites very well.

quote:

..Chiggers do not burrow in. They bite, inject some nasty saliva and feed on skin for a while. Then they drop off, but the stuff they inject into you makes the bite itch for days or even a week.

Just relaying what my physician at the time told me that they dig into the skin and each bite area around my waist formed a small bump that lasted for several days and left a mark for several weeks. The itch was incredible, IMO worse than being bit by Skeeters.

Fortunately, it was the only time I got attacked by Chiggers.