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Eradicating Chiggers in Yard #871016

Asked May 31, 2024, 9:17 PM EDT

Hello. For the past several years my yard has been infested with chiggers. The grass is trimmed. Leaf debris has been removed. Yet they even find me when I'm sitting on the concrete patio in full sun. I do have some mulch in a trash can and I wonder if that might be a breeding ground. That said, they seem to be present throughout the yard. Are there methods I can employ that without going to full on pesticide? Something that is also food safe as they have in past years made themselves at home even in container gardens. Any suggests welcomed as they pretty much rule the yard from now through Fall. Thank you.

Midland County Michigan

Expert Response

Keeping the grass trimmed and with less taller plants should reduce their numbers gradually. The mulch is unlikely to be a source for the mites that bite.

Unfortunately, some people are more sensitive to chiggers. If that is the case, long sleeved shirts or applying insect-based repellents with DEET or permethrin can provide some relief. 
David Lowenstein Replied June 03, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT

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