Did you know that chiggers are not insects? Actually, they are immature mites known as larva; and only the larval stage of the mite bites humans. Adult chiggers lay from one to five eggs in leaf litter, grass, and weeds. After about a week, the chigger egg hatches out into a larva. The larvae simply wait for a host to attach and feed upon. Chiggers Feed by attaching to the victim and releasing a saliva that dissolves skin. The chigger then sucks up the dissolved skin goop! The reaction to the saliva being introduced into the victim is a severe itch experience that can last for weeks. Chiggers do not suck blood nor burrow into skin as many believe ans are not known to transmit disease. After a chigger feeds, it drops the the ground and buries itself in the soil and starts the process all over again. It is important to know that chiggers can be transferred on clothing, blankets etc. If bitten usa a heavy lather of soap to the chiggers that might be exposed as soon as possible. Many times, the itch may not be manifested until hours or a day after exposure. Scratching can cause infection, and it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about treatment. Best practice is to apply insect repellent to areas where chiggers like to feed: around socks, leg, and waist bands and collars. Best practice is to apply insect repellent to areas where chiggers like to feed: around socks, leg and waist bands and collars. It is als a good idea to apply repellent to clothing when going out in vegetated areas. Only in severe infestation would one need to spray grass and/or vegetation.