| Scientific name | Trombiculidae family |
|---|---|
| Group | Ticks, Mites & Other Arachnids |
| Size | 0.2–0.4 mm (up to about 0.02 in) |
| Colors | Red and Orange |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Lawn or grass and Woods or trails |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Can bite or sting |
How to identify it
The chigger is a tiny member of the ticks, mites & other arachnids group. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings. Check for these three features:
- Microscopic red or orange specks, barely visible
- Itchy bites clustered around ankles, waistband and behind the knees
- Picked up in tall grass, berry patches and woods edges
About this bug
The nearly invisible red larva of a harvest mite that attaches to skin in grassy, brushy areas. Chiggers feed on skin cells, not blood, and cause intensely itchy red bumps.
You'll usually find chiggers in lawns and grass and in woods and along trails. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
Chigger bites itch for days, but in the US chiggers don't transmit disease.
Our rating: Can bite or sting, meaning it can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects.
When you'll see chiggers
Chiggers are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: lawn or grass and woods or trails.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The chigger is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
What to do about it
- Tuck pants into socks and use repellent on shoes and socks
- Shower and wash clothes in hot water after outdoor activity
- Keep lawns mowed and brush cleared
Bugs that look similar
Legs: Chiggers have 6 legs; clover mites have 8 legs.
Frequently asked questions
What does a chigger look like?
Microscopic red or orange specks, barely visible. Adults measure 0.2–0.4 mm (up to about 0.02 in).
Does the chigger bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Chigger bites itch for days, but in the US chiggers don't transmit disease.
Where do chiggers live?
Chiggers live in lawns and grass and in woods and along trails.
When are chiggers most active?
Mostly in summer.