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Chiggers - Overview

Alternative Names

Harvest mite; Red mite

Definition of Chiggers:

Chiggers are tiny, six-legged wingless organisms (larvae) that grow up to become a type of mite. Chiggers are found in tall grass and weeds. Their bite causes severe itching.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chiggers are found in the southern part of the United States and in other countries. They are usually restricted to certain areas such as berry patches, tall grass and weeds, and woodland edges. The chiggers bite humans around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds.

The itching usually occurs several hours after the chiggers attach to the skin.

  • Reviewed last on: 12/19/2007
  • A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/17/2006).