Our trips to the homestead can be brutal in the late summer months. It never fails that I get eaten up by what I have called chiggers for many years. However the locals, all say the same thing, likely I was bitten by turkey mites. I had never heard of turkey mites in any of the places I had lived, and I honestly believed that it was just local lingo. But now is the time for me to find out what makes me so alluring and how I can fight back! What’s the difference between turkey mites and chiggers?
Technically chiggers are not insects at all but are arachnids, in the same family as spiders and ticks. They are better known as mites. While chiggers prefer tall grass-like fields and wooded areas they can also be found in your yard. They are most active in the warmer months of the year when temperatures reach 77 to 86 degrees. Fortunately, the chigger larvae die as temperatures drop below 42 degrees.
Adult chiggers are extremely tiny, only about 1/60th of an inch in size. Adult chiggers are not dangerous to humans, it is the larvae that cause such irritation. The larvae are even more tiny, only about 1/150th of an inch. Although they are almost invisible to the unaided eye, their tendency to form large clusters can cause them to appear as tiny red dots on the skin.
Chiggers prefer brushy and grassy areas that stay moist during the day. The larvae can’t fly, so they remain clustered together waiting for passing hosts. The larvae are strictly parasitic, seeking hosts where they can feed.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers! This article delves into the world of turkey mites, also known as seed ticks, those pesky little creatures that can turn a pleasant outdoor adventure into an itchy nightmare.
What Are Turkey Mites?
Contrary to their name, turkey mites are not actually mites but the larval stage of the lone star tick. These tiny, reddish-brown creatures are often found in tall grass underbrush and wooded areas, waiting to hitch a ride on unsuspecting humans and animals.
Do Turkey Mites Burrow into Your Skin?
No, turkey mites do not burrow into your skin. Instead, they attach themselves to your skin with their tiny mouthparts and feed on your blood. This feeding can cause intense itching and irritation, and in some cases, even lead to secondary infections.
How to Avoid Turkey Mites:
- Dress for protection: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toed shoes when venturing into areas where turkey mites are likely to be present. Tuck your pants into your socks and wear a hat to further minimize exposed skin.
- Use insect repellent: Apply a DEET-containing insect repellent to your skin and clothing before heading outdoors. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Check yourself and your pets regularly: After spending time outdoors, carefully inspect yourself and your pets for any attached ticks. Remove them promptly with tweezers, grasping them as close to the skin as possible.
- Treat your clothing and gear: You can treat your clothing and gear with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide that can repel and kill ticks. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
- Avoid tall grass and underbrush: If possible, stick to well-maintained trails and avoid walking through tall grass or underbrush where ticks are more likely to be found.
What to Do if You Get Bitten by a Turkey Mite:
- Remove the tick promptly: Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Do not twist or crush the tick, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Clean the bite area: Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Monitor for symptoms: Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you develop any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Additional Tips:
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outdoors.
- Tumble dry your clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill any ticks that may be attached.
- Be aware of the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you develop any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from turkey mites and enjoy your outdoor adventures without worry.
Happy exploring!
Treating the Itch: Chiggers versus Turkey Mites
In my experience, calamine lotion is not effective in treating turkey mites. In recent years, I have used a triple approach. This is what I have done personally, please seek professional medical attention if needed. I first wipe down the affected skin with isopropyl alcohol. While this burns, it does help prevent infection. Try as I might, I can’t help but scratch.
Next, I apply Tecnu Calagel Anti Itch Gel and I also spray with a topical analgesic Tecnu Rash Relief Spray. Yes, I use both, desperate times call for desperate measures. This combination seems to be the best at keeping the itching at bay, however, I haven’t found anything that makes it completely stop. The itching can last for weeks after exposure.
Identifying a Chigger Bite
Within a few hours, the chigger bites will begin to itch. The intense itching can often keep you awake at night. The bites will become red welts or blisters. Often these bites will be in straight lines. Admittedly, I haven’t noticed the straight lines of bites, but I’ll try to be more aware of them. Thankfully chiggers don’t carry diseases, however, the secondary infections caused by scratching can cause problems.
How to Remove Mites Burrowed in the Skin
FAQ
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