The other day at a meeting of the Sierra Vista Garden Club, someone brought up the subject of chigger bites. Some of the new comers to the Sierra Vista area had no idea there were chiggers here, but most of us had one or two "bites" on us somewhere. We didn't remember seeing the bug that bit us, only knowing that the welt itched, becoming painful when scratched or rubbed, and didn't seem to want to bed up or go away. Those who have lived here for some time told us we were describing chigger bites.

Insect Pests of Farm, Garden, and Orchard, 5th edition, by Peairs and Davidson describes Trombicula alfreddugesi as the most numerous and widely distributed species of chigger. It goes on to say that contrary to popular belief chiggers do not burrow into the skin; they only insert their mouthparts, usually in a skin pore or hair follicle, and begin feeding. On humans they are found especially in regions of the body with tight fitting clothing. The salivary juices secreted by the chiggers cause severe irritation accompanied by intense itching. This results in scattered red blotches of various sizes, with frequent secondary infection.

Chiggers are found wherever vegetation grows-high grass or weeds, fruit orchards, even lawns, golf courses, and parks. They are very tiny and not easily seen, and since their bites might not be felt for several hours or even the next day after exposure, it is difficult to know the exact location of infestation. If that area of infestation happens to be in your garden or on your property, you may want to use diazinon spray or dust for control.

The eggs of chiggers hatch into 6-legged individuals called "larvae," the only stage which attacks people. After engorgement, which may require from one to several days, the larvae drop off, transform into nymphs, and finally into the adult stage.

To remove chiggers from your skin, bathe thoroughly in hot, soapy water. Contact your drugstore for compounds to relieve the itching. When walking through chigger infested areas, wear protective clothing, and tightly button or tape sleeves, pant cuffs, and collars. Apply insect repellents to the skin and clothing, especially around the ankles, underarms, waist, sleeves, and cuffs.