Our main goal is to help you learn the answer to “where do chiggers live?”. Chiggers are tiny parasitic larvae of the mites in the Trombiculidae family. The adults are also known as harvest mites or red bugs. They can cause an uncomfortable and itchy rash when they bite humans.
But where do chiggers come from? Where is their natural habitat? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and provide a comprehensive guide to where chiggers live so you can be better prepared to avoid them.
We’ll look at the different climates in which chiggers reside, what kind of vegetation they prefer, and tips on how to avoid them. So if you’re looking for information about the whereabouts of these pesky pests, read on!
Where Do Chiggers Live?
You can find chiggers in many regions worldwide, most commonly in humid and warm areas. These areas include forests, grasslands, parks, farms, and gardens. In the United States, chiggers are prevalent throughout the Southeastern states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
However, you can also find chiggers in NYC city parks like Central Park and Prospect Park. There are some studies in parasitology journals on chigger outbreaks in South Korea causing Scrub typhus. This study aimed to gather some baseline data for how widespread the distribution of chigger mites truly is. Then, in turn, getting better disease control of Scrub Typhus.
Sometimes our clients have bites from chiggers, but they mistake them for bed bug bites. So if you have no signs of bed bugs but do have bites, then it may be a case of chiggers!
What is the Chigger Habitat?
An extensive study (Fauna and Distribution of Free Living Chiggers (Acarina: Trombiculidae) in Arkansas) on the chigger habitat in Arkansas was done, and it determined that you’ll find dense populations of chiggers on logs, stumps, and large rocks—places where animals like birds and lizards tend to rest.
The Species Trombicula alfreddugesi is more prevalent in drier climates. In contrast, you’ll find Eutrombicula splendens in moist, wet environments. So different species of chiggers can tolerate different environments.
Which Areas in the Us Have More Severe Chigger Infestations?
It’s difficult to say which areas in the US have more severe chigger infestations as they vary yearly and depend on temperature, humidity, and rainfall. However, chiggers are known to be particularly common in Southeastern states such as Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. Additionally, areas with high grasses and dense vegetation may also have higher populations of chiggers.
Remember that chiggers do not live long and will not infest your bed like fleas or bugs. So if hiking in the woods, it’s best to cover up your legs and tuck your shirt into your pants. Otherwise, you may end up with a temporary case of chiggers in your bed.
Learn more about fleas vs bed bugs here.
Chigger Range – Geographic Distribution
The chigger mites tend to die in cold freezing temperatures. Since chiggers are worldwide, you can’t escape them in some climates. Therefore, the US midwest, NE, and NW regions will have fewer chigger populations than somewhere like Florida.
In the southern United States, Eutrombicula alfreddugesi is most commonly called chiggers. Meanwhile, in Europe, Trombicula autumnalis typically takes on this moniker. Finally, species of the Leptotrombidium genus are identified as chiggers in Asia and Oceania.
What States Have Chiggers?
You’ll find chiggers in every single state. Some species, like Trombicula alfreddugesi, can thrive in dry environments. However, all species live within damp, wet soil. Adult mites often feed on mosquito larvae, which are considered beneficial insects. At the same time, the larval stage of these same mites is parasitic and feeds on our flesh.
So the answer to “Where Do Chiggers Live?” is pretty much everywhere that there’s soil and grass!
Oklahoma Chiggers
Unfortunately, Oklahoma hosts an array of chigger species (Trombicula sp). You’ll find these parasitic skin feeders in fields, pastures, areas with lots of weeds, farms, and any other naturistic place.
The chiggers are the larval stage of red harvest mites. The adult mites do not bite us or attach to our skin; only the larvae do. ????
Chiggers in Michigan
Eutrombicula splendens is a species of chigger mite that you’ll find in infestations near the Great Lakes. Remember that not only will you find Eutrombicula splendens in Michigan, but you’ll also find it anywhere from the gulf of Mexico to Canada.
Eutrombicula splendens are unique in their survival ability in dry and wet climates. Their adaptability makes them well-suited to the diverse weather conditions around the Great Lakes.
It is also known for its high infestation levels, as you’ll find them in dense populations near shrubs, logs, and leaf litter. More importantly, Michigan is home to many species of chigger mites, not just Eutrombicula splendens. So when trekking through the brush, protecting your skin is imperative!
We hope this helped solve the mystery of “Where Do Chiggers Live?”
Reference: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Eutrombicula_splendens/
Final Thoughts on Where Do Chiggers Live?
Although chiggers can be found worldwide, their prevalence will vary depending on climate and temperature. In the US, they are most common in Southeastern states like Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, as well as areas with high grasses or dense vegetation.
It is important to remember that chigger infestations may worsen during certain seasons of the year, so it’s best to take precautions when spending time outdoors in these regions. By arming yourself with knowledge about “where, do chiggers live?’ and how you can protect yourself from them, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor adventures much more safely!
