FMosquito bites, spider, bedbug and lots of other insects bite and leave bite marks on their victim. The issue is, you may not know which particular arachnid that attacked you.
Among these insects, fleas and chigger bite marks are similar although there are a few patterns you can use to differentiate them easily.
Facts about Chiggers
This parasitic insect is also known as berry bug. They appear like minute reddish larva classified under the arachnid family. Chiggers grow to 1/60 inch and are therefore difficult to spot with naked eyes. To spot these insects, you may need to get a magnifying lens.
Chiggers are common seen in berry patches as the name implies or sometimes around grassy areas. To prevent an attack, stay away from such areas. Chiggers survive by attaching to a host for a maximum of four days, sucking on blood. Their bloodsucking habit is not noticed by the host because Chiggers secrete a numbing agent in their saliva, signs of the attack only start to show after they fall off. The bite area will swell up and develop blisters that itch irritably.
How to identify Chigger Bites
The wound caused by a chigger bite is known as coloradillo wound. Berry bugs are extremely tiny, notwithstanding, their bites are powerful and itch as well.
The bites appear like blisters, welts, hives or tiny pimples. The bites are found in multiple areas on the body because they stay latched on for at least four days.
Berry bugs usually target the crotch, ankles, waist, behind the knees and armpits. This means that the bug prefers folds of skin compared to exposed areas.
This is the summary of what chigger bites look like;
- The bites appear randomly in one spot, if the bites appear in random clusters, they are probably berry bug bites.
- They look like welts, hives, blisters or pimples
- The bites appear as multiple clusters.
- The bites are widespread and close together.
Facts about fleas and flea bites
Fleas are also parasitic insects that are brown or red in color. They are a little bigger than Chigger and like fleas, they secrete a numbing agent that prevents you from feeling the bite while they feed.
A female flea needs a fresh blood meal to reproduce. They feed until they appear 15 times more than their body size then lay at least fifty eggs each day.
The major difference between these bugs feeding habit is, fleas feed on blood in their adult stage while chigger feeds on blood only on their larval stage. Fleas can hitch rides on animal hosts or human into your home beginning an infestation.
How to point out fleas
Fleas get on animal host by jumping on their well adapted strong hind legs. Fleas can jump seven inches into the air which is more than their height.
Fleas get dislodged from the host’s bodies and fall off into the carpet; from here they attack your feet and ankles. They cannot fly so they cannot climb high on your body. They are likely to be hidden in your socks because they prefer shady areas.
Key points to note
- Flea bite mark appears on ankles and feet.
- The bite spot is surrounded by a red halo.
- The bite appears in straight line clusters of four or five groups.
Difference between Chigger and flea bites
Although these insect bites appear similar, there are some striking differences you can note easily so as to note which insect is attacking your pet or your family.
Flea bites are surrounded by reddish halos and are like smallish welts similar to mosquito bites though they itch more.
Meanwhile, Chigger bites are like a bunch of small pimples and are in large uneven groups, developing blisters with or without scratching.
How to make the itching bearable
Fleas and Chigger bites can be treated with any of the following creams and lotions;
- Aloe Vera
- Hydrocortisone
- Calamine lotion
- Anti-itch creams
- Hot shower or bath
- Antihistamine lotion
The timeline for the bites to heal completely varies from person to person, however it may take some to time to heal. You cannot scratch the itch no matter how bad it is. If you succumb and do this, the wound may open up and it will develop a bacterial infection especially if left untreated. The bites should considerably improve after a few days, but if you notice no change or improvement then you have to see a doctor.
If you allow a chigger bite to continue festering, it will get worse, your immune system will not make it better as with mosquito bites. You just have to treat.
These are some products you can apply on the bite mark;
ChiggAway: this lotion treats chigger bites and repels the insect.
ChiggerX: this ointment acts as an anti-inch agent. It greatly reduces your urge to scratch.
Prevention of Chigger Bites
The most suitable way to treat these bites is by avoiding them completely. These are some things you can do to ensure that chiggers are not found around you.
- Stay on the trail when you are hiking, as we know, Berry bugs hide in grasses.
- Put on long pants, after all, if the bugs can’t reach your skin they will not bite.
- Machine-wash your clothes when you come home to prevent Berry bugs from spreading in your home or continuously biting you.
- Buy a vet recommended insect repellant which should be highly effective in removing chiggers such as; Deep woods and ChiggAway.
- If you notice chiggers on any part of your body, don’t hesitate to take a hot shower and wash your clothes.
If you require more information on flea bites then visit our website.