About once per month I suffer from about 8 bites that act and feel like the result of chiggers. Usually on my legs but sometimes on my torso. I'm in S.C. in January maximum highs about 65-70 and lows in 40s and 50s. I don't enter grassy or wooded areas. I live in a built up area.

Are they active at this time of the year or is it something else? Since I don't enter grassy or wooded areas, is it possible my cats are bringing them into the house where they migrate to me? There is a wooded area nearby where I'm sure they explore.

If this is possible, will the modern flea medications like Advantage be effective in stopping this?

Will insectides work and where should I spray?

-- Colin Foster (colin@yandina.com), January 22, 2002

Answers

Colin, do you think it could be fleas? You might ask your Vet the next time you take one of your cats in. (Also, a phone call to your Vet will tell you if Advantage or whatever will help as will checking with the MFG of those products).Your vet and techs are good at checking through the fur very thoroughly ,or you can get the cats wet and it is easier to see them. Cat fleas are quite small. Can't help with the chigger thing, here in Oregon we don't have them. Hope you solve this and let us know what it is. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), January 22, 2002.

I'd also suspect fleas. Chiggers are usually in the grass and woods,and later in the year, just like you suspect. Also, as you probably know, they are more likely to torment you by getting under your cloths than on your legs.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), January 22, 2002.

If it IS chiggers, bear in mind they prefer dark clothing. So, wear light colored clothes when you are in chigger habitat. And, check with your Veterinarian. Buddy, the Pharmacist

-- Buddy (Buddybud@csranet.com), January 22, 2002.

Most usually chiggers are more of a summertime bug. The hotter the temperature the hungrier they are. If the temp hits 100 deg. watch out, because they are going to be thick and hungry.

-- r.h. in okla. (rhays@sstelco.com), January 22, 2002.

Don't know chigger or flea. We have to put the cats out when the fleas get too bad....not into poisons. The chickens take care of bugs like that if you let them loose in the yard. I don't like the poop though...so don't do it if I can help it. Anyhow...VITAMIN E oil works for either, better than anything else I've found. Buy a bottle at the health food store or break open a capsule and apply and don't scratch for a few minutes and you'll be amazed at how good it works. Sounds like fleas though???

-- openminded (llll@noplace.com), January 23, 2002.

Feels like fleas to me too (been there, been done by that). Only thing that makes bathing cats seem desirable - to me anyway - never really been able to convince the cats. Although if you use a gentle insecticidal soap and warm water, then spend some time towelling them and cuddling them in front of a heater, they do eventually become resigned to it.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), January 24, 2002.

I know this conversation went on in January, but here in FL we get all kinds of bugs early. For years we (definitely includes kids) end up covered with chigger bites. The best way to kill them on the body is to suffocate them while they're in the skin. We paint nail polish over the bites. If you spray yourself real well with an insect repellent they usually leave you alone. As far as getting rid of the little suckers (literally), it's kind of like irradicating roaches. Ain't no way!

-- marymuld (mymymary@tampabay.rr.com), April 27, 2002.