They are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by the host. Once on a host, chiggers usually crawl around on the body before settling down. On animals, chiggers are likely to attach themselves in areas without fur. On humans, chiggers tend to accumulate in areas where clothing is tight, such as a belt at the waist or socks around the ankle. They pierce skin around hair follicles and release skin-dissolving saliva.
Chiggers then feed on the resulting liquid.
Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into the skin nor do they feed on blood. The chigger usually stays attached for about three days, but may remain longer. After it feeds, it will drop to the ground and bury itself. Nymphs are not pests to humans. Instead they feed on the eggs and young of other small soil animals.