Can Chiggers Transmit Lyme Disease? What You Should Know

For people who enjoy being in the outdoors, chances are that they have had those itchy red bites from chiggers. These tiny little mites can make entertaining hikes and gardening a nuisance. But the many people keep asking, can chiggers cause Lyme disease? Let's look into the question.

What you need to know about chiggers?

Chiggers are the larval form of specific mites, mainly from the Trombiculidae family. They attach to your skin, inject digestive enzymes, and suck at the skin cells - not blood. The whole feeding process causes red, itchy welts that may last for days. These bites are irritating but are not associated with Lyme disease.

Chiggers vs . Ticks

Though both are arachnids, chiggers and ticks function wholly differently. Chiggers feed briefly on skin cells and then drop off and thus are not able to pass on Lyme disease. Ticks, however, feed on blood for much longer periods, creating the perfect environment for disease transmission.

That being said, if you're bitten by chiggers, all you have to worry about is itching and irritation, not Lyme disease. Some simple remedies include washing the area, applying anti-itch creams, or some natural solutions like aloe vera or oatmeal baths.

Prevention Tips

Although chiggers are not a source of Lyme disease, prevention is still important. Wear long sleeves and pants; tuck pants into socks; and put on insect repellent when outdoors. Always check your body after being out in the woods, especially in areas where ticks are commonly found, to catch any before they start sucking blood.

Holistic Therapy Tribe is the platform where holistic practitioners are found and can be consulted for additional tips on natural health and wellness.

Final Thoughts

So, can chiggers then cause Lyme disease? Not exactly. Chigger bites, as annoying as they can be, do not give rise to Lyme disease, which is transmitted only through bites from infected ticks. So, understanding this difference between these two tiny creatures arms you well for enjoying your outdoor activities with safety.