Ways To Treat And Prevent Chigger Bites

Wear Insect Repellent

The most effective method of preventing chigger bites is to wear insect repellent. Of all the types of insect repellents on the market, those containing DEET provide the most protection against chiggers. Insect repellent should be worn whenever an individual is outdoors in a grassy or wooded area, particularly in the summer months. It is particularly important for hikers and campers to use insect repellent. Insect repellent is most commonly available as a spray, and it should be sprayed onto all exposed skin (except for the face). Patients spending an extended period outdoors may wish to wear long sleeves and long pants for added protection. Instead of spraying the repellent directly on the skin, it can then be safely sprayed onto clothing. Pants should be tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes and wide-brimmed hats should be worn. It is especially important to spray insect repellent on the tops of shoes, cuffs of sleeves, waistband of pants, and necklines of shirts.