Author Topic: Chiggers....Wearing me out! (Read 6613 times)

Moots · « **on:** June 24, 2013, 06:10:55 pm »

Ok,
I've tried ignoring them and just putting up with the bites. However, enough is enough, I refuse to tolerate the abuse any longer, something must be done about the chiggers feasting on my lower legs on an ongoing daily basis. :) I cut the grass the other day around my hives hoping this would help, so far it doesn't seem to have made a difference. :(

I think my current strategy moving forward is going to be a two prong approach....

1) Make it a habit to spray my boots, socks, and lower legs with off before venturing into the bee yard to check on the bees.

2) Spread some Diatomacious Earth around my hives.

Any other advice for dealing with these critters would be deeply appreciated...Bee stings are nothing compared to these things, the itching is driving me CRAZY!

RC · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2013, 06:45:51 pm »

The only advise I can give is to try to outlive them. Other than that, rub turpentine on the bites. It seems to help.

Joe D · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2013, 09:36:49 pm »

Used to you could put some Pine Orum on them, but haven't seen any any years,Pine orum. Haven't been picking Huckle Berries in a while either, that's one of the places I used to get em. Good luck with your new friends.

Joe

don2 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2013, 09:47:23 pm »

I think seed ticks are just about as bad. I got a dose the other day. I usually use deep woods off. why it got by me that day I don't know. :) d2

GSF · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2013, 09:49:59 pm »

If you're talking about "redbugs" aka chiggers, I use skin so soft by Avon. Works great! If you're sweating a lot just remember every couple of hours put some more on. I pour it in a very small spray bottle and spray/rub it on. Keeps mosquitos off as well. Been doing it for years.

don2 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2013, 09:52:40 pm »

Don't know why she ain't got no more. I used it a few years back. :) d2

Dimmsdale · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2013, 10:09:20 pm »

Those things are without a doubt the most miserable little buggers to ever roam the earth. I feel ya Moots! I'd take bee stings any day. I'm religious with the bug spray. Keeping the grass mowed back will help. Anyone that gets a good dose of those rascals definitely knows it!

iddee · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2013, 10:15:41 pm »

Just rub some poison ivy on the skin from the knees up. You will never notice that the chiggers are even there.

hardwood · « **Reply #8 on:** June 24, 2013, 10:26:22 pm »

Paint a small circle of fingernail polish on the red spots...suffocates 'em. They'll be gone in a day. I though everyone does this. Or there's a product out called either "chig-a-rid" or "rid-a-chig" that's basically polish but more $.

Scott

sweet bee · « **Reply #9 on:** June 24, 2013, 10:45:28 pm »

Quote from: iddee on June 24, 2013, 10:15:41 pm

Just rub some poison ivy on the skin from the knees up. You will never notice that the chiggers are even there.

Now Iddee....are you absolutely certain about that? :-D

Moots · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2013, 10:58:08 pm »

Scott,
I have and use Chigarid...would have knawed my foot off at the ankle by now if not for it. :laugh:

I've also heard about the finger nail polish...My understanding is that the chigger is actually long gone, however I think the sealing action keeps out the oxygen and therefore helps with the itching.

Thanks all for the input, with the possible exception of iddee, ;) :laugh:

I'll keep y'all posted on the battle.

Gametracker · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2013, 12:50:55 am »

Quote from: iddee on June 24, 2013, 10:15:41 pm

Just rub some poison ivy on the skin from the knees up. You will never notice that the chiggers are even there.

iddee you're bad! :evil: I'm surprised that you didn't tell them to rub the ivy vigorously about the groin! That will definitely change the perspective on what's bad! :shock:

Old Blue · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2013, 02:28:45 am »

It sounds like you're wearing shorts. But if you don't mind or can wear pants then you can use gaiters that will seal your ankles up and are chigger (and everything else) tight. I have a pair from Outdoor Research and they are great.

Old Blue
Paranormal taxation with no representation in .............
Kali-bone-ya

D Semple · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2013, 10:37:00 am »

After a few thousand chigger bites you'll get used to them also.

Best thing to do for them is to roll around on the ground till you get all bit up and get your immunity built up.

Don

Moots · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2013, 10:47:36 am »

Quote from: D Semple on June 25, 2013, 10:37:00 am

After a few thousand chigger bites you'll get used to them also.

Best thing to do for them is to roll around on the ground till you get all bit up and get your immunity built up.

Don

Don and iddee,
WOW! Such knowledge, wisdom, and good advice....And to think y'all are willing to share this wealth of experience totally selflessly while asking for and expecting nothing in return, other than the personal satisfaction of knowing you have helped a fellow Beek! Your kindness truly is impressive, the forum is very fortunate to have the two of you as members! :-D

10framer · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2013, 11:09:10 am »

we used to powder our boots with sulphur every morning. that stops them. i would think you could dust the ground around your hives with it and get the same results.
i grew up in the south and have battled them all my life but the worst cases i've had as an adult were in iowa and south dakota. we just think we have it bad down here.
my place in georgia is red bug, tick and so far mosquito free. but i've never seen so many gnats in my life. they get in your eyes, ears, mouth, nose. they're generally annoying and i have never found anything that will repel them.
the red bugs do suck, though. wait til you find a few on your dangling parts. that's really special on a hot humid day.

BeeMaster2 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 25, 2013, 12:34:19 pm »

Years ago after a day of hunting here in Florida, I was really tore up by red bugs. Went to the Dr. and he said I had chicken pocks. He sent me home for 2 weeks even after I insisted they were red bugs. Even verified it on the second visit 2 days later. I think it was help from above because I need this time to rebuild my bathroom, widen the door and re- enforce the wall, to put in lift system for my wife to be able to handle my handicapped son while I was out to sea (Navy). Things like this happen for a reason.
Jim

Moots · « **Reply #17 on:** June 25, 2013, 12:45:06 pm »

Quote from: sawdstmakr on June 25, 2013, 12:34:19 pm

Years ago after a day of hunting here in Florida, I was really tore up by red bugs. Went to the Dr. and he said I had chicken pocks. He sent me home for 2 weeks even after I insisted they were red bugs. Even verified it on the second visit 2 days later. I think it was help from above because I need this time to rebuild my bathroom, widen the door and re- enforce the wall, to put in lift system for my wife to be able to handle my handicapped son while I was out to sea (Navy). Things like this happen for a reason.
Jim

Jim....LOL!
That's a classic!

iddee · « **Reply #18 on:** June 25, 2013, 01:02:42 pm »

yeah, Moots. We only do it because we like you. You're special.

:lau: :lau: :lau:

capt44 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 25, 2013, 01:18:55 pm »

We got chiggers and seed ticks here in Central Arkansas
I spray my ankles and socks with Repel every mawn'n.
That took care of my chigger problems.
But if you forget to put it on every day they'll remind you to next time.