Summer 2003 Volume 12, Number 2
Ask The Steward
Q:
I have over 20 small welts that appeared
around my ankles and waist the day after a walk in my woods and they itch like
crazy. Someone told me I got the Jiggers. What's a jigger and how do I stop the
itch?
A:
Got the Jiggers eh? Probably no creature in Indiana can cause as much grief for
its size than the
tiny Jigger - also called Red Bug - but best known as the Chigger. This tiny
creature (a mite) is found all over the place, but prefers heavy vegetation
areas such as woodlands, berry patches, lake and stream edges and parks. Some
feel moist areas are prime sites, but drier lawns and cemeteries (I can vouch
for this one) are also common chigger haunts. The biting larval stage is
most numerous from late spring to mid-summer when gross, weeds and other
vegetation are heaviest. Chigger larvae are usually yellow to light red in
color, hairy, and move quickly on their six legs. Adult chiggers are bright red,
have eight legs and do not bite humans or animals. As larvae Chiggers are very
small -only about 1/120 of an inch and have tiny claws that allow them to attach
tightly onto people and animals. Once attached, they are able to pierce the skin
and inject their saliva, which contains powerful digestive juices that breakdown
skin cells and causes surrounding tissue to harden and form a straw like feeding
tube. The chigger feeds for up to 4 days by sucking up the digested skin cells
and then they simply fall off. They do not suck blood or burrow under the skin.
Welts and itching may show up as early as 3 hours after exposure and may
continue for a week or more. Fortunately chiggers are not known to transmit any
diseases in this country. For temporary relief of itching, apply ointments of
benzocaine, hydro-cortisone, calamine lotion, or other itch or bite relievers
recommended by your pharmacist or medical doctor. The sooner the treatment, the
better the results and some have had luck with Vaseline, cold creams, and even
fingernail polish (this is not an endorsement). To minimize chigger bites apply
insect repellents before entering chigger prone areas. Chiggers prefer areas of
tight fitting clothing or soft, tender skin - such as, waistlines, ankles, back
of knees, armpits, groin ... Follow label directions and apply to exposed skin
and clothing, especially around the ankles, lower legs, waistlines, neck and
sleeve openings. Keep moving! The chance of chigger bites increase dramatically
when loafing around in sunny spots when temperatures are above 60 degrees. After
visiting a chigger infested area, take a hot shower as soon as possible. Lather
up good to help wash off the critters before they get lodged. Wash your clothes
in hot water too! Don't feel too bad - chiggers also feed on a wide variety of
snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals. Which makes one wonder - how does a
snake scratch itself?
Q:
When can I order
trees from the State Nursery for planting next spring?
A:
Right now! Tree seedling
order forms are now available from your local forester, County Extension
office or by internet. The deadline for early ordering is October 17th.
Seedlings produced by the DNR, Division of Forestry nurseries are known for
their high quality and are especially suited for conservation plantings and
forest restoration. However, they are not available for landscape plantings.
Indiana is fortunate to also have a good source of private nursery stock to
serve a variety of needs. For ordering information and locations of private
seedling nurseries check out the Division of forestry's website at
http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/ or
call 812-358-3621.
For more information I.D.N.R. Division of Forestry 402 West Washington,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
or call 317-232-4105