Bug bites are some of the biggest downsides of the warmer months.
(Yes, that means theyre related to spiders).
What are chigger bites?
So when you come hiking along in your cuteOutdoor Voices shorts, your exposed shins look mighty scrumptious.
The problem is, you may have no idea you are lunch.
A common misconception is that they burrow into the skin, Edwards says.
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So where on your body do you’re gonna wanna be most careful?
They like finding those like tight spots just because they feel a little bit more secure.
This might sound like a major hiking buzzkill.
This is more just a nuisance pest, he says.
Here are the most important steps he recommends taking:
1.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
This will help control the allergic reaction (read: the itching).
However, this can be delayed by scratching, even though its super hard to resist.
If you really cant get yourself to stop, at least keep your fingernails short to minimize the damage.
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Unfortunately, insect repellents are unlikely to be super effective.
you’ve got the option to apply Deet, permethrin, and other common insecticides, Edwards says.
It isnt something I recommend for chiggers because I dont find it works very well.
Avoid areas of high risk.
For example, dont go through dense foliagewalk in the middle of the trail, says Edwards.
And when you get home, shower ASAP.
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