Off topic: chiggers and mosquitos, bad year!

2 years ago

This has been a bad, bad year for chiggers in my area, not to mention the mosquitos. We always had some in the yard, mostly in the rear, towards the more shaded areas of the property and not mowed. This year, they are everywhere as there have been over 30 inches of rain from July through September 1st. And if you read what chiggers do to their host! Absolutely disgusting! So, all summer, I used the excuse of the heat and humidity not to work in the yard, now it's nearly mid October and I still don't wanna be the backyard.

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Comments (12)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
2 years ago
Don't forget that this year, as a result of the huge cicada invasion, there has been a large itch mite presence. Itch mites apparently feed upon the eggs laid by the cicadas. I've been working all summer constructing a new fence, and my arms got super itchy from something. Whether it was itch mites, spider bites, or something else, I have no idea. But I've heard of others complaining about itching this summer.
diggerdee zone 6 CT
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I haven't noticed a consistent problem, but earlier in the summer there was some kind of persistent and annoying clouds of flying bugs. I thought at first they were mosquitoes but then it stung when they bit, so it must be something else. And then they itched lol. I haven't noticed them in the last two weeks so maybe that's it for this season at least!

:)

Dee
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Lots of replies but I'd might as well join in: It's a three stage process. 1. No later than the middle of August, (in Delaware) make sure the area you think the chiggers call home is mowed, and/or sprayed with a good outdoor insecticide spray. Then make sure you use something with deet in it to spray around your shoe tops, sock tops and pants legs. 2. Because you just realized you've got a dandy case of chiggers and had forgotten number one, you should try to kill the chiggers that may be still sucking at the feeding tube (?) they inject the digestive enzyme that causes the pimples and itch. I use something with deet in it to lightly spray my legs up to the knees at least.* (It is said that chiggers don't burrow in but insert a feeding tube.) 3. Now use a dilute solution of vinegar and water in a very small basin. (I use a cup and a half of vinegar that seems about the right for the amount of WARM water). The reason for this is to neutralize as best you can, the digestive fluid already in your skin. A little soap will help the mixture to penetrate. (hopefully) Take your time and give the solution time to work. Do NOT use a towel. Let it dry. *I used to take a shower with a cake of dog flea soap which seemed to help (as soon as I realized I had chiggers). This does nothing to immediately stop the itch, but at least it prevents more places that itch. It is best to remember to do number one, but I never do. I walk through weeds on my way to the compost heap and get chiggers almost every year. This year was bad I think because of the frequent rains.
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krnuttle
2 years ago
The is the reason that during some parts of the growing season, I never go into the yard without applying insect repellent. At time of the year it get applied all over, especially during tick season.
Jurassic Park
Original Author
2 years ago
There was just a news story about this being in record season for West Nile virus in NJ. Thankfully, the rains have stopped, so, next issue will be drought.

Wish me luck, will attempt to mow the lawn tomorrow.
deltaohioz5
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Pirate bugs are horrible this year. The corn turned brown a long time ago and dried up their source of food. Now they are swarming and getting in houses. They leave little red spots that itch like crazy. I'm looking forward to a frost.

Frank
User
2 years ago
I only saw 2 mosquitos and no gnats this season (my areas normally worst offenders). Seemingly there were fewer insects and arthropods overall.

I'm attributing this to our summer drought conditions.

Hope the migrating birds found enough food to raise their young.
bengz6westmd
2 years ago
Relatively few annoying insects this year here except the massive 17-year cicada outbreak. But that was finished by mid-June. Waiting to see how bad the ladybug house-invasions are this fall. Honeybee and Monarch butterfly numbers this year (desirable insects) were fairly good.
Jurassic Park
Original Author
2 years ago
Tomorrow, I have major yard work and will be dressing up like going to war, against the fleas, deer ticks, chiggers, West Nile mosquitos, and the poison ivy (bought a new batch of Tecnu for those lovely plants).

P.S., Sounds like drought does have its perks!
krnuttle
2 years ago
I hope you include insect repellent in your war dress,

Poison Ivy and Ticks will have the longest lasting effects. The Ticks can give you Lime disease, or Rocky Mount Spotted fever that is why insect repellent is so important. Last year it took some powerfully drugs and a couple of month to recover from my case of Rock Mount Spotted fever..

Poison Ivy takes weeks to clear up, So after you are done, head directly to the shower and lather up with soap, rinse and then do it again. In my experience this is the best way to avoid poison Ivy. My last bout with poison ivy was between my fingers. Apparently when lathering up I missed the area between my fingers.
Jurassic Park
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Krnuttle, I've had webbed fingers from the ivy. I know the risks, believe me.

Ticks?! I live amongst herds of deer, but I also have an outdoor shower and live in it!
krnuttle
2 years ago
I hope it is screened from the neighbors ;-)
Jurassic Park
Original Author
2 years ago
What neighbors?! There are none! I can live with the vermin, but not with human neighbors!

Off topic: chiggers and mosquitos, bad year!

Comments (12)

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

diggerdee zone 6 CT

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