Are you tired of dealing with pesky chiggers in your home and yard?
You may have heard that neem oil is a natural remedy for getting rid of these tiny pests. But is it really effective?
In this article, we’ll explore the use of neem oil as a chigger killer and provide you with other natural remedies to keep these annoying bugs at bay.
From essential oils to repellents, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover how to get rid of chiggers once and for all.
Will Neem Oil Kill Chiggers?
Neem oil is a popular natural remedy for many insect infestations, including chiggers. However, it’s important to note that the use of neem oil for chigger control is not recommended by MU Extension.
While neem oil has insecticidal properties, it may not be effective in controlling chiggers. In fact, using neem oil and detergent is not recommended as it may harm beneficial insects and pollinators in your yard.
Instead, controlling the habitat and understanding the hosts of chiggers is recommended. Repellents are also a great option to keep chiggers away. Look for products containing DEET or sulfur-based anti-chigger products to coat clothing and skin.
For a natural option, essential oils like lavender, peppermint, tea tree, citronella or thyme (diluted according to label instructions) can also offer an effective repellent tactic. You can even make your own DIY chigger repellent by mixing 2 teaspoons of witch hazel and 5 drops of essential oil in 4 tablespoons of water.
What Are Chiggers And How Do They Affect Humans?
Chiggers are tiny, red-colored mites that are found in grassy areas or near shrubs and trees. They are most commonly found in humid and warm environments. Chigger larvae infest humans by crawling up our shoes and legs as we make our way through the scrub. Once they find a patch of skin, they use sharp, jaw-like claws to make tiny holes and inject saliva that turns some of your cells into mush. Chiggers do not actually bite us or burrow into our skin, but they use their mouths to drill tiny holes into our skin through which they secrete specialized salivary enzymes designed to break down our skin cells from the inside.
The human skin does not take kindly to this drilling and parasitic digestion, and consequently, humans typically develop intensely itchy, bright red pimple-like bumps or hives or a generalized skin rash in the areas where the mites were attached, even up to 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Chiggers prefer to attach to skin at areas where the clothing fits tightly against the body, such as at the tops of socks or around the elastic edges of underwear, so a rash in these areas may be a clue to the specific cause.
Chigger bites can happen anywhere on your body but often show up in clusters around the waist or lower legs. You may not notice anything wrong at first, but in a few hours you’ll start to itch. The itching usually lasts for several days and can sometimes keep you awake at night. You may also notice that your skin turns red and has bumps, blisters, or a hive-like rash that may take a week or two to heal. Scratching could break the skin and lead to irritation or an infection. If you have travelled internationally, be aware that the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi from bites of infected chiggers (larval mites) can cause scrub typhus. Most cases are reported from exposure to chiggers in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India and northern Australia. It is important to see a doctor if this is the case.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and is a popular natural insecticide, fungicide, and bactericide. It contains many components, with Azadirachtin being the most active. Azadirachtin acts as a repellent, reducing insect feeding and interfering with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. It can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes. Other components of neem oil kill insects by hindering their ability to feed.
However, it’s important to note that the exact role of every component of neem oil is not fully understood. Neem oil is not recommended for controlling chiggers by MU Extension, as it may not be effective in controlling these pests. In fact, using neem oil and detergent is not recommended as it may harm beneficial insects and pollinators in your yard.
If you do choose to use neem oil, it’s important to apply it correctly. Use it late in the evening or very early in the morning to ensure it has time to dry on the plant before pollinators are active. Once dry, neem poses little to no risk to bees or other pollinating insects. Avoid applying neem during extremely hot weather, as the oil can leave a residue that amplifies the sun’s rays. Don’t apply neem during or just before expected rain, as it will wash away.
While neem oil has low toxicity to humans, it can be a slight irritant to the eyes and skin. It’s best to wear gloves when applying and avoid skin contact. Some diluted forms are used in skin creams or ointments, but with these, check with your physician before use.
How To Use Neem Oil To Get Rid Of Chiggers
While neem oil may not be the best option for controlling chiggers, it can still be used as an organic insecticide in your yard. Bonide’s Ready-To-Use Captain Jack’s Neem Oil is an effective organic insecticide that can help get rid of chiggers in your yard. It provides a three-in-one functionality advantage as it’s an insecticide, miticide, and fungicide.
To use neem oil to get rid of chiggers, start by mixing it with water in a standalone sprayer. It’s always best to start on the low end with less product and more water. For example, if you plan to spray 3 gallons of water, use 1.5 teaspoons of liquid soap and 4.5 tablespoons of neem oil.
Spray the mixture around your home, paying particular attention to places where chiggers like to hide. However, it’s important to note that spraying for chiggers isn’t recommended as it may only provide control for a few days depending upon weather.
If you have food or flower gardens in your yard, spraying for chiggers can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Instead, opt for natural solutions like repellents or controlling the habitat and understanding the hosts of chiggers.
Other Natural Remedies For Chigger Control
Apart from neem oil, there are several other natural remedies that can be used for chigger control. One of the most effective ways to prevent chigger bites is to cover your skin with long sleeves and pants. You can also use tall boots and socks to cover your ankles and legs. Tucking your pants into your socks can also prevent chiggers from crawling up your legs.
Another natural remedy for chigger control is to use diatomaceous earth. This powder is made from fossilized algae and works as a natural desiccant. Sprinkling it around your home, especially in places where chiggers like to hide, can help keep them away.
Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Mixing it with water and spraying it around your home can also help repel chiggers. Eucalyptus oil, with its insecticidal and repellent properties, can also be mixed with water and used to treat chigger-infested areas.
It’s important to note that spraying for chiggers isn’t recommended as it may only provide control for a few days, depending on the weather. Instead, using repellents, controlling the habitat, and understanding the hosts of chiggers are more effective ways of preventing chigger bites. Organic solutions like Bonide’s Ready-To-Use Captain Jack’s Neem Oil can also be used as an organic insecticide that can get rid of chiggers in your yard while protecting plant tissues from fungal attacks.
Preventing Chigger Infestations In Your Home And Yard
Chiggers can be a nuisance in both your home and yard, but there are steps you can take to prevent infestations.
In your home, diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural desiccant to kill chiggers. Sprinkle it around areas where chiggers like to hide, paying particular attention to cracks and crevices. Neem oil can also be used as an insecticide, but it’s important to mix it with water and spray it around your home during times when beneficial insects are not active.
For your yard, organic solutions like Bonide’s Ready-To-Use Captain Jack’s Neem Oil can be effective in getting rid of chiggers. This organic insecticide is a three-in-one solution that can eliminate insects in all stages while protecting plant tissues from fungal attacks.
Additionally, modifying the environment of your yard can make it less conducive to chigger activity. Mow your grass short, reduce shady areas, and clear up leaf litter. You can also use repellents like Supreme IT or modify the habitat by understanding the hosts of chiggers and their life cycle.
By taking these preventative measures, you can help keep chiggers at bay and enjoy a pest-free home and yard.
