Chiggers, what are they?

[sailorman]

I hate the thought that they burrow in the skin. That always creeps me out. Once they are in there, how can you get them out? Is it true if you paint over the area with clear nail polish they will die?

[dinosaur]

Yes. However, they are still in there. Then they rot and you may end up with an infection, a nasty little festering wound filled with bad smelling puss. DON'T DO IT!

[Ilovelife]

That is so gross. Dino you just made me lose my appetite! What is the answer then? Is there some way to encourage them from leaving so you won't risk dead bug bodies?

[CozInCowtown]

Chiggers are "no seeums" that live in grass and sand.
Lime will drive them out of the yard.
Foil is good for chigger bites.
DC

[wvbreamfisherman]

Coz- do you mean Foille, the first aid spray? I've used it for minor burns, but never thought of it for chigger bites. Have to get a can for the old first-out bag. If it keeps getting bigger I'm going to have to get one one wheels like an airline carry-on bag.

[Qweetzy]

Chiggers are some of the most irritating little insects that ever lived. If you get one, paint the opening with clear nail polish and it won't be able to breathe. Sometimes I wonder why such things were created.

[sailorman]

I guess they love humidity. The more humidity there is, the more likely they are in great abundance. Which would explain why it has been so bad around here! The humidity has helped them seriously populate.

[Grandpa]

The habitation map says they are every where in the US, but I have never seen/heard of any around here. We studied them as boy scouts and they have been out of sight, out of mind ever since until this post. Maybe humidity is essential as our air is much drier than most. If altitude or shortness of the summer growing season were involved, the habitation maps should have reflected that. They sound like a terrible nuisance.