Where Are Chiggers Found in the United States?
Chiggers can turn a gorgeous day out in nature into an itchy nightmare in a matter of minutes. This pesky insect, known as Trombiculidae, is extremely tiny, but the symptoms of a chigger bite are anything but minor. It’s usually accompanied by intense itching and redness that is impossible to ignore.
These mites are often mistaken for ticks or fleas, and while many people think chiggers feed on blood, they actually feed on skin cells.
Since they’re capable of spoiling a perfectly good time outdoors, it’s important to know what states have chiggers so you can be aware of their habitats. Curious about where chiggers are most commonly found in the U.S.? This blog explores their habitats and offers tips on how to avoid these pesky mites if you're in an area where they thrive.
Where Do Chiggers Live in the U.S.?
A lot of chigger activity occurs in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
However, this isn't the complete answer to the question of chigger distribution in the U.S. While these states have the highest concentration of chiggers, they can also be found in the Midwest, including:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Ohio
They can also appear in parts of the northeast, like Maryland. And many people in Texas and Oklahoma also experience chigger encounters, though it’s less common than other areas.
For a more visual guide, here’s a map showcasing where they’re often found.
States Where Chiggers Are Most Prevalent
Chiggers prefer habitats that give them plenty of opportunity to hide and thrive. You’ll often find these mites in wooded areas and fields, especially damp areas with tall grass, like lawns bordering bodies of water. They favor places like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, which are the perfect breeding grounds for these pests.
Chiggers are most prevalent in the Southeastern U.S. since the hot, humid climate there is ideal for them. Peak chigger season does, unfortunately, coincide with the warmest time of the year — late spring through late summer. This is when outdoor enthusiasts need to be especially careful about getting bit.
Since they cover such a large portion of the country, it’s clear that understanding chiggers is essential if you want to be comfortable spending time outdoors. Chiggers are widespread, but they’re fortunately much less common in arid or colder regions, like the Rocky Mountains or Pacific Northwest.
How to Prevent Chigger Bites
The best way to prevent chigger bites is to avoid the creatures as much as possible. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways you can steer clear of them. Here are some practical tips you should keep in mind.
Stay on the Trail
While it might be tempting to stray off the beaten path, you might want to think twice about hiking or walking through grassy areas. Staying on cleared trails means you’re less likely to come in contact with the chiggers’ ideal habitats. If you have to venture off the path, be extra cautious and do your best to cover any exposed skin.
Wear Protective Clothing
It’s important to gear up if you’re walking through an area that might have chiggers. This includes wearing long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes. The less skin you have exposed, the smaller the chances of chiggers dining on it. You may also want to consider wearing light colors, as this can make chiggers easier to spot.
It’s also a good idea to tuck your clothes in, even if they technically cover your skin fully. These microscopic mites will be persistent if they’re hungry, but tucking your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks will give you a barrier that better prevents chiggers from crawling underneath your clothes.
Bathe and Change Your Clothes
Regardless of how careful you were, you should take a bath or shower when you get home and put on clean clothes. Toss the clothes you were wearing in the washer for extra peace of mind, as the heat will help kill off any chiggers that might still be on them.
Check your skin once you finish bathing for any signs of bites or remaining chiggers. And if you notice any bites, treat them with anti-itch cream; do everything in your power not to scratch so you don’t get an infection.
Wear Clothing That Repels Them
If you’re especially worried about being bitten by chiggers, consider wearing permethrin-treated clothing and gear when you go out. Insect Shield carries permethrin-treated gear that deters chiggers as well as other biting insects, including ticks and mosquitoes.
Permethrin is a long-lasting solution for those who love to be outdoors but don’t love the nuisance of bug bites! Insect Shield apparel, blankets, and accessories are extremely convenient, with built-in protection from bugs who see you as their next meal.
Stay Protected From Chiggers and Other Biting Pests
Chiggers are unfortunately common in many parts of the U.S., especially in the south, where it’s hotter and more humid. But knowing their habitats and using prevention methods can greatly reduce your risk of getting bitten.
Insect Shield’s permethrin-treated products are easily one of the best solutions for blazing your own trails with confidence.
The treatment is odorless and can last the entire lifetime of the product, so it’s a wise investment for the weekend warrior who can’t help but chase the sunshine. But it’s equally useful for people who work outdoors or those traveling to states that have higher chigger populations.
If the fear of chigger bites has kept you from enjoying the great outdoors, clothing with Insect Shield’s permethrin-treated products offers an effective, convenient solution.
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