Chigger season is upon us

I put my foot down once… ONCE!

IMG_6995.jpeg

Jokes on them. With my shit circulation and lymphedema; I’m pretty sure they got the worst of it. 🖕
 
The owners sent us an informational packet about chiggers (because most people don't know about them) and said if we used the fire pit we probably got them from the tall grass around it. We were also out there an entire week and didn't get itchy until the last day. We followed up with some googling and sure enough people in that region have also complained about chiggers.

View attachment 244558
I did a bit of googling and found that post on How to Keep Jersey People Outta Raystown
 
Hiked Shark River Park yesterday staying on trails. Sweatpants and tall socks. Still, got home and had that feeling on my legs. Strong reading glasses and flashlight and there they were, all over.
So I jumped in pool and rubbed my legs down with the strong jets on them for 10 minutes. Then took long outdoor shower scrubbing like crazy.
Still! Check and they're still on me! Frickin nuclear bugs. Spent 1/2 hour picking 20 off with tweezers. Put them in a bowl of water and watched them drown. Seem ok today.
So I guess they don't come off with plenty of soap and water? Who knew. Will try the lint roller idea.
 
Ah. Reminded again that it takes a couple days for the bites to take full fricking itching effect. Guess I got 20 off but missed 40. Darn....
It only takes 1 and they bite in a row so you can get a bunch of bites in the same area from just 1 chigger. Good luck!!
 
Once I switched to long pants year round never had an issue with chiggers. Ride Briz almost exclusively because it is not crowded there, and I like the flow of my ride there. Long pants made from ripstop fabric-3 years, have not had a single chigger incident, even with stops. However, even with the long pants and socks sprayed with Deep Woods Off, have had a few rides where I picked up baby ticks. Long pants can be a bummer on hot days, but the tradeoff of no chiggers is worth it to me. YMMV.
 
I picked up some at Black Run Preserve several days ago. The main trails are generally pretty clear of brush/ tall grass but I did a bit of exploring around Aerohaven. I generally avoid shrub and grass contact especially since I can’t tolerate bug spray, but noticed some trails I never rode before. Maybe two dozen bites after my ritualistic chigger season post ride cleanup.

IMG_6395.jpeg
 

Trail Conditions

Current Conditions

powered by Trailforks.com
Back
Top Bottom