Trombiculidae
Nl: Oogstmijt
En: Mites, chiggers
Du: Herbstmilbe,Herbstgrasmilbe
Fr: aoûtats, tique de vendange
The tiny six-legged chigger larvae attacks poeple as well as other mammals in low, damp areas where vegetation is rank such as woodlands, or places with low vegitation such as lawns, golf courses, and parks. They are most numerous in early summer when grass, weeds and other vegetation are heaviest.
Chiggers do not burrow into the skin, but insert their mouthparts in a skin pore or hair follicle. Their bites produce small red welts on the skin, which is accompanied by intense itching. The chiggers are so small that they cannot be seen without a magnifying glass. Chiggers feed on a wide variety of snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals as well as humans.
Chiggers do not burrow into the skin, but insert their mouthparts in a skin pore or hair follicle. Their bites produce small red welts on the skin, which is accompanied by intense itching. The chiggers are so small that they cannot be seen without a magnifying glass. Chiggers feed on a wide variety of snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals as well as humans.
Mowing weeds, and close clipping of lawns, to eliminate shade and moisture, will reduce chigger populations.
Chigger larvae can penetrate many types of clothing, but high boots and trousers of tightly woven fabric tucked into stockings or boots help deter them.
The most effective way of removing chiggers is by taking a hot shower and washing the affected areas with mildly hot water and soap, as soon as possible after exposure or possible exposure, also Epsom salt bath. The chiggers may be dislodged, but you will still have the stylostomes, causing the severe itch. Scratching deep to remove stylostomes can cause secondary infections.
Clothing should be immediately laundered at hot temperatures after returning from areas where exposure may have occurred.
Chigger larvae can penetrate many types of clothing, but high boots and trousers of tightly woven fabric tucked into stockings or boots help deter them.
The most effective way of removing chiggers is by taking a hot shower and washing the affected areas with mildly hot water and soap, as soon as possible after exposure or possible exposure, also Epsom salt bath. The chiggers may be dislodged, but you will still have the stylostomes, causing the severe itch. Scratching deep to remove stylostomes can cause secondary infections.
Clothing should be immediately laundered at hot temperatures after returning from areas where exposure may have occurred.
The objective of treatment is to relieve the itching. Antihistamines and corticosteroid creams or lotions may be helpful. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if rash is itching intensely, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment
Prevention at home in the garden is possible by applying a new topsoil without lime 50 cms thick, in your garden
