They are found in many of the same habitats as ticks. These nuisance mites do not carry diseases in Ohio, but their bites cause annoying itching. Chigger immatures are microscopic. Because chiggers cannot be seen easily, being bitten is the only way we learn that an infestation exists. Chigger larvae attack humans by inserting mouthparts into hair follicles or skin pores to feed.
Chiggers are usually a problem in late spring and summer.
Their bites can cause intense itching. Fact Sheet 2100 provides details on how to treat bites, identify infested areas and treat them. They have unsegmented bodies and usually have a hard shell. Snails have a prominent external shell and slugs have an internal shell. They both glide upon a slimy liquid they exude.