Page 127 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

CHIGGER ADULT

CHIGGER IMMATURE

Drawing by Andrew Schaible

Drawing by Andrew Schaible

1.Antenna- none 6.Thorax- none CHIGGERS
2.Eyes- on some species 7.Petiole- none
3.Gnathosoma- with biting mouthparts 8.Idiosoma
4.Legs- 6 on larvae, 8 on adult 9.Color- orange to red
5.Wings- none 10.Other- extremely tiny larvae
3 8
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs in a sheltered area, which hatch into tiny, six-legged larvae. The
larvae crawl on the soil looking to feed on mammals. They will feed on the host for up 4
to three days, becoming engorged. They drop to the ground and become nymphs with
eight legs. It can take from two months to a year to complete the life cycle and reach
adulthood. The adults will overwinter in cooler climates, but in Florida they are active 1/50”
year-round. There are from 1-5 generations produced in a year. Photo Courtesy of Hansell F. Cross, Georgia
State University, www.forestryimages.org

CHIGGERS Actual size 1/50th”

Chiggers are actually the tiny larvae of the Harvest mite. They can bite, using piercing
mouthparts, causing welts that will intensely itch and may become infected from scratching.
Chiggers inject a fluid that dissolves the tissues, then suck up the liquefied tissue. The itching
starts within 4-8 hours, and may last for up to two weeks. Some people are allergic, and may
have severe reactions. Contrary to beliefs, the chiggers do not imbed themselves in the skin,
and rarely stay on a human host long enough to complete a feeding. Bites usually occur
where clothing is tight—at the waist, ankles with socks, but also at the armpits and knees.
If you have to enter an infested area, wear protective clothing and use insect repellents.
Washing bites with hot water and soap, and using local antiseptics will provide some relief.

Chiggers are normally found in areas of dense vegetation, usually plants that are on the damp
side. There will also be plenty of rodents in the area, as they are the most common host, along
with birds and reptiles. They may also infest lawns, and will sometimes invade structures. The
Chiggers are only a problem for humans in the larval stage. Once they become nymphs and
adults, they feed upon insects, insect eggs, and other organisms.

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