Chiggers are tiny mites whose bites cause intense itching and discomfort. Understanding where these pests are commonly found across the United States, along with their typical habitats and activity patterns, can help minimize your risk of bites.
Chigger Hotspots Across the United States
Chiggers are present in every U.S. state, but their populations are significantly denser in warm, humid regions. The American Southeast, South, and Midwest are primary hotspots, providing the warm temperatures and humidity chiggers prefer for thriving.
States with high concentrations include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Humid Midwestern states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, and Ohio also report considerable chigger presence. While less common, chiggers can also be found in parts of the Northeast, such as Maryland, and in areas of Texas and Oklahoma.
Specific Environments Where Chiggers Thrive
Chiggers prefer specific environments within these regions that offer both heat and humidity. They are commonly found in wooded areas, overgrown fields, and areas with tall grass. These mites often inhabit damp areas, such as lawns bordering bodies of water, and thrive near natural bodies of water like streams and rivers.
Dense vegetation, including large weeds and plants, creates ideal microclimates for chiggers by trapping moisture and increasing humidity closer to the soil. This includes locations like berry bushes, orchards, and even well-kept lawns, especially in the initial years after an area has been cleared. Chiggers are often abundant in areas overgrown with briars or blackberry bushes.
Chigger Activity Patterns
Chigger activity is closely tied to environmental temperature, making them most active during warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn. Their preferred temperature range for activity is between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C).
Activity decreases significantly as temperatures drop; they become inactive around 60°F and die when temperatures fall below 42°F. In regions without hard freezes, chiggers might be present, though less abundant, throughout the winter. Their first appearance in spring often coincides with the blooming of blackberries.
Reducing Encounters in Chigger Areas
When entering chigger-prone areas, wearing appropriate clothing can help reduce exposure. Long sleeves and long pants, with pant legs tucked into socks, create a physical barrier against these mites, preventing them from easily accessing the skin.
Applying insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin to skin and clothing provides an additional layer of protection. Permethrin-treated clothing offers lasting repellency. Focus repellent application on areas where clothing fits tightly, such as waistbands and sock lines, to deter chiggers from migrating to the skin.
After spending time outdoors, shower as soon as possible to wash away any attached chiggers. Avoiding dense vegetation and overgrown areas, particularly during peak chigger season, also helps minimize encounters. Regular mowing of lawns and removal of unnecessary shrubs can decrease suitable chigger habitats around homes.