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. In all the places I had lived, I had never heard of turkey mites, and I genuinely thought it was just local vernacular. But now is the moment for me to learn what it is about me that attracts people, and how I can defend myself! What’s the difference between chiggers and turkey mites?
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. Their propensity to form large clusters can make them appear as tiny red dots on the skin, despite the fact that they are nearly invisible to the unaided eye.
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.
Ah, the dreaded turkey mite. Those pesky little critters that love to feast on our skin, leaving us with itchy, red welts. But can these bloodsuckers be passed from person to person?
The short answer is no turkey mites cannot spread from person to person.
These tiny arachnids, also known as chiggers or seed ticks, are not interested in hitching a ride on your clothes or finding a new host on another human. They’re content to feast on their current victim until they’ve had their fill, then they drop off and go their separate ways.
So, how do you get turkey mites?
These little buggers live in tall grass and underbrush, waiting for unsuspecting victims to brush past. They latch onto clothing or skin and make their way to a nice warm spot to feed.
What can you do to prevent turkey mites?
- Wear long pants and sleeves when walking in areas where turkey mites are likely to be present.
- Treat your clothing with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide that repels ticks and mites.
- Shower with hot water and soap after spending time outdoors.
- Check your skin for any attached mites and remove them with tweezers.
What if you do get bitten by a turkey mite?
The bites will likely be itchy and red, and may even blister. In some cases, people may experience a secondary infection from scratching the bites.
Here are some things you can do to relieve the itching:
- Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the bites.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine.
- Soak in a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda.
Consult a physician if the itching becomes intense or if you get a secondary infection.
Now, let’s talk about the difference between turkey mites and chiggers.
While they are often used interchangeably, turkey mites and chiggers are actually two different creatures. Turkey mites are the larval stage of the lone star tick, while chiggers are the larval stage of a different type of mite.
Both turkey mites and chiggers can cause itchy bites, but turkey mite bites are generally more severe. Turkey mite bites can also cause a rash that can last for several weeks.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between turkey mites and chiggers:
| Feature | Turkey Mites | Chiggers |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Amblyomma americanum | Trombiculidae |
| Life stage | Larva | Larva |
| Size | 1/150th of an inch | 1/60th of an inch |
| Bite | More severe, itchy, can cause a rash | Itchy, red welts |
| Habitat | Tall grass, underbrush | Tall grass, wooded areas |
No matter what you call them, turkey mites and chiggers are both annoying pests that can make your outdoor adventures miserable.
By taking some simple precautions, you can avoid getting bitten and enjoy your time in nature.
Here are some additional resources on turkey mites and chiggers:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chiggers
- Mayo Clinic: Chiggers
- University of Kentucky: Turkey Mites
And remember, the best way to avoid turkey mites is to stay out of their habitat!
Life Cycle of a Tick
Ticks have four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. Other than the egg stage, the remaining three stages of life depend on the ticks finding a parasitic host to survive. While some ticks prefer the same host for all stages, most find a different host for each stage of development. Ticks find their hosts as they can detect the breath, body odors, heat, and moisture of their hosts. Like chiggers, they like tall grasses and wooded areas. Ticks also can not fly or jump, but they wait in a position ready to attach to a host called questing. Ticks stand holding their front legs at the ready. When a host walk by, they are prepared to latch on. Lone star ticks are aggressive ticks and will host on humans at all three stages of development.
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.
How to Remove Mites Burrowed in the Skin
FAQ
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