Is it possible to treat your yard for chiggers? Yes, we treat yards for chiggers! Oh happy day!
What are chiggers?
Chiggers are the larval form of the Trombiculidae mite. They are tiny, with a length of only about 1/150th of an inch. You can maybe see them with a magnifying glass. The larval form has six legs. The adult mite has eight legs, and it is harmless - it doesn't bite humans.
What do chiggers do that makes them terrible creatures?
Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into the skin. However, they do inject a digestive enzyme into the skin and then feed on the decomposed tissue caused by the enzyme. Yes, it sounds disgusting. Chiggers cause incredible itchy spots and sometimes blisters on the skin.
Above: Illustration of chigger bite
Treating Your Yard for Chiggers
March is the prime time for us to treat your yard for chiggers. The treatment is the same for chiggers as it is for fleas. The lawn should be mowed and watered before treatment for the best result. We use Nygard IGR liquid to spray the yard. Fourteen days after the first treatment, we followup with a second treatment. Usually, only two treatments are needed. However, if your neighbors have a chigger infestation and aren't treating their yard, the little chiggers could "hop the fence" so to speak, into yours.
Contact us to be put on our schedule to treat your yard for chiggers in the coming spring.
