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Chiggers (family Trombiculidae)
Identify it, prevent it, and know when to call. A South Florida guide from Pro-Spray.
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What Are Chiggers?
Chiggers are the larval stage of certain mites. Only the tiny larvae bite people and animals. They wait on grass and low plants and climb onto anyone who brushes past, then move to places where clothing is tight or skin is thin, like ankles, behind the knees, the waistband, the groin and the armpits.
Contrary to a popular myth, chiggers don't burrow into your skin and don't stay there. They attach, inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells, feed on the liquefied tissue and then drop off. The intense itch comes from your body's reaction to those enzymes, and it often starts hours after the bite.
How to Identify Chigger Bites
You'll almost never see the chiggers themselves. What you'll notice is clusters of small, very itchy red bumps or welts, sometimes with a tiny blister or clear center, concentrated where clothing fits snugly. Itching often peaks a day or two after exposure and can last for days.
Common look-alikes:
- Flea bites: usually on ankles and lower legs, often with pets in the home. See cat flea.
- No-see-um bites: often on exposed skin outdoors near water at dawn and dusk. See no-see-ums.
- Fire ant stings: painful burning, often with white pustules. See fire ant.
- Bed bug bites: appear after sleeping. See bed bug.
Life Cycle and Habits
Adult chiggers live in the soil and feed on small insects and eggs, not people. Females lay eggs in soil and leaf litter, and the larvae climb onto vegetation to wait for a host, which can include rodents, birds, reptiles, pets and people. After feeding, larvae drop off and develop into nymphs and adults in the soil. They prefer damp, shaded, overgrown areas.
Where You'll Pick Them Up in South Florida
Overgrown lots, the tall grass at the edges of canals and retention ponds, unmowed fence lines, wooded trails, horse pastures and berry patches are common hot spots. Yards that back up to natural areas are more likely to have them along the edges.
Is it dangerous?
- Bites
Very itchy bites and welts; scratching can lead to infection.
Prevention Tips
- Keep grass mowed and brush trimmed, especially along fences and property edges.
- Reduce shady, overgrown areas and clear weeds.
- Wear long pants tucked into socks and closed shoes in tall grass.
- Use an EPA-registered repellent on shoes, socks and pant legs, following label directions.
- Shower soon after outdoor activity and wash clothes in hot water.
Bite Care
Wash with soap and water. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams, cool compresses and oral antihistamines can help; ask a pharmacist or doctor what's right for you. Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection. See a doctor if bites look infected or you have a strong reaction.
How Pro-Spray Helps With Chiggers
We treat overgrown edges, fence lines, shady areas and pet resting spots where chiggers are found, and recommend landscape changes that make the yard less hospitable.
Pets can pick up chiggers too, especially around the ears, belly and between the toes. Ask your vet if your pet seems unusually itchy after time in tall grass.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do chiggers burrow into your skin?
Should I put nail polish on chigger bites?
Why do chigger bites itch so much?
Can chiggers live in my house?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
Pests don't wait.
Protect your home today.
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