Jun 16, 2022 | Pest Control
If you live in the south, chances are you’ve been bitten by a bug you can’t even see, leaving you with an itchy, red rash. Chiggers, AKA red bugs, are known scientifically as trombiculid mites. These pests aren’t even technically bugs – they’re actually arachnids and related to spiders and ticks.
Chiggers are found in every country around the world. They prefer environments that are moist and grassy, such as fields, forests, berry patches, and lawns. They are tiny and can usually only be seen with a microscope. Adults are 1/60″ in length and have 8 legs. Larvae are smaller, usually less than 1/50″ and are wingless and red with 6 legs. The larvae will turn yellow after eating. Chiggers are common in late spring, summer, and early fall. They are active when temperatures are between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit and will die off when temperatures drop below 42.
Adult chiggers don’t bite. The larvae will hatch and then clump together on leaves and grass. As you walk through these areas, they attach to you. They then crawl around until they find bare skin and use their claws to make tiny holes in your skin. They inject saliva into the hole that turns your skin cells into mush which they then eat, leaving you with an itchy, red rash. They can bite anywhere on your body but will typically cluster around legs or waists.
Chiggers don’t spread disease to humans but scratching the rash can lead to infection.
Because they’re so hard to see, it can be difficult to even realize you have a problem with them until after you’ve already been bitten. Prevent chigger bites by:
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET or wear clothing that has been treated with permethrin. Be especially vigilant to apply around cuffs, necklines, and the tops of socks.
- Use natural remedies to get rid of them, including oils made of citronella, tea tree, jojoba, eucalyptus, geranium, and lemon grass.
- Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
- Walk in the center of trails rather than along the sides.
- Shower as soon as you return indoors from outside.
- Wash clothes in hot water and dry on high heat.
If you have a problem with chiggers or any other pests this summer, contact your local pest control company for an inspection and appropriate treatment plan.
You May Also Be Interested In:
How to Care for Your Crawlspace
Signs of A Centipede Infestation
Termite Control Tips for Summer
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
DIY Pest Control Tips for Household Pests
Jun 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.
If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems. Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.
Lady Bug
– Beneficial insect
– Overwinters
– Feeds on aphids
– Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population
Box Elder Bug
– Overwinters
– Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant
– Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant
Milkweed Bug
– Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides
Leaf-Footed Stink Bug
– Feeds on a wide variety of host plants
– Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs
Wheel Bug
– Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax
– Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids
Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed
Jun 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.
If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems. Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.
Lady Bug
– Beneficial insect
– Overwinters
– Feeds on aphids
– Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population
Box Elder Bug
– Overwinters
– Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant
– Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant
Milkweed Bug
– Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides
Leaf-Footed Stink Bug
– Feeds on a wide variety of host plants
– Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs
Wheel Bug
– Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax
– Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids
Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed
