Chiggers

Trombiculidae (larval mites; e.g. Eutrombicula alfreddugesi) · Mosquitoes, Ticks & Chiggers

Chiggers are the larvae of certain mites. They are so small that most people never see them, only the itchy red bumps they leave. They climb onto people walking through tall grass or brush and tend to bite where clothing is tight, such as sock lines and waistbands. They do not burrow into skin or drink blood, and NC State says they do not spread disease to people in the U.S.

Look for: Usually seen only as clusters of very itchy red bumps around the ankles, waistband or other tight-clothing spots that appear a few hours after being outdoors. The mite itself is a reddish-orange speck barely visible to the eye.

Quick facts

Size	0.15-0.3 mm
Legs	6
Usual colors	orange
Where in the home	Garden
Active	May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Peak	No clear peak
U.S. range	Picked up in grassy, weedy or brushy areas. Texas A&M says they are active from late spring to fall in most of Texas and may stay active year-round in the far south; NC State says that in the South they can be active almost year-round.
Bites or stings people	Yes

Seasons are typical across much of the U.S. and vary by region.

Peak season Active Typical across much of the U.S.; varies by region.

Sources

Not sure this is your bug? Try the Bug Identifier or ask your local Cooperative Extension office.