Chiggers

Alternative names:

harvest mite; red mite

Definition:

Chiggers are the larvae of a type of mite found in tall grass and weeds. Chigger bites cause severe itching.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The mites are found in the southern part of the U.S. and in other countries. They are usually restricted to certain habitats such as berry patches, tall grass and weeds, and woodland edges. The larvae attack humans around the waist, the ankles, or in warm skin folds. The itching usually occurs several hours after the larvae attach to the skin. The larvae can sometimes be seen in the center of a papule that has not been scratched.