Chiggers! Yes, it’s that time again. Here in Texas they rave about and stay for a while. Within a day or so I’m full of chigger bites … and they itch like crazy! A lot of questions come to mind this time of year about how to get rid of chiggers! Fortunately, I know the answers.
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How to Get Rid of Chiggers: Natural Methods That Help
1. Keep your lawn mowed
Chiggers love hanging out in tall grass and weeds. Mowing your lawn as short as possible can help prevent chigger infestations.
2. Plant marigolds
Some swear by this method! Apparently, chiggers don’t like marigolds, so plant some around your house. Not only will you fend off chiggers, but your flower garden will be especially beautiful too.
3. Kieselguhr
Use only for this method Food quality DE only for your clothes and your lawn. Chiggers hate this stuff! Before leaving home, dust some food-grade DE onto the bottom of your pants (about 8 inches up), your socks around your ankles, and your shirt sleeves.
Sprinkle food-grade DE on your lawn to ward off chiggers. The rule of thumb for this method is 5 pounds per 1000 square feet.
4. Slip tube
Wear tights under your pants. This is a popular method because chiggers cannot bite through this type of material.
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5. sulfur
The use of sulfur to ward off chiggers is a well-known and very effective repellent.
- Powdered Sulfur – Dust your clothes and shoes with powdered sulfur before going outside.
- Sulfur Pellets – You can also sprinkle sulfur pellets around your lawn to repel chiggers. The suggestion for this method is to do this before it gets extremely hot. However, this method is not recommended if you have pets.
- Sulfur additives – my mother swears by this method! My great grandmother gave my mother sulfur tablets and the bugs really stayed away.
Before taking sulfur supplements, please consult your family doctor if you have any known medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking prescription drugs. To understand how to get rid of chiggers, one has to find a solution that suits your medical needs!
6. Vinegar
Spray your clothes with white distilled vinegar before going outside. Some people do this and never return to any other method!
7. Garlic
Eat a single clove of garlic daily to ward off chiggers. Garlic is also a great mosquito repellent.
8. Squeeze the shower
Every time I spend time outdoors, I go straight to the shower after I’m back inside. Chiggers take time to pierce the skin. The sooner you can take a hot shower, the better! I also recommend using antibacterial soap.
9. DIY chigger repellent
Here is a great recipe for essential oil chigger repellants:
- 2 teaspoons of witch hazel
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 5 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, thyme, or lemongrass will work)
Mix well and spray directly on the skin.
Check out this video from National Geographic so you know what to do if a chigger infestation has hit your yard:
If you are currently suffering from chigger bites, there are home remedies you can use to soothe your skin. These are ways to get rid of pests.
Are There Natural Answers To How To Get Rid Of Chiggers? Share with us in the comments section below.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 4, 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevance.
How to Get Rid of Chiggers Naturally: The Ways and Reasons first appeared on Homesteading Simple Self Sufficient Off-The-Grid | Homesteading.com.
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