Red Bug/Chigger Control: How To Get Rid of Red Bugs

This page is a red bug or chigger control guide. Using the products and methods suggested, you will get control of red bugs. Follow this guide, use the recommended products, and we guarantee 100% control of red bugs.

Red bugs (also spelled redbugs) are little red mites that are also popularly known as “chiggers.” Red bugs commonly infest bushy areas, yards, tall grasses, and other outdoor areas. They are extremely small, with most red bugs usually measuring only a millimeter in length. They have six legs and are circular.

Red bugs/chiggers like to feed on the flesh of any living thing. Red bugs lie in wait in tall grasses and shady areas and will attach themselves to humans and pets when the opportunity presents itself.

While red bugs do not transmit any diseases, they irritate the skin and can cause severe itching. If you have been noticing tiny red bugs on your property, read on to learn the best methods of control and the best products to use to eliminate red bugs or chiggers from your yard for good.

Identification

Before applying any treatment, you must ensure you’re dealing with red bugs through proper identification. Red bugs are so small that they are practically impossible to see with the naked eye. Some characteristics that set Red Bugs apart are the following:

• Red bugs aren’t insects; they’re mites from the Trombiculidae family. Red bugs, also commonly referred to as chiggers, are the immature larvae stage of the red harvest mite, which is harmless to humans and pets in their adult stage. While the adults may be harmless, the larvae are vicious biters.
• Measure around 1 millimeter in length.
• Vary in color from bright red to orange, yellow, or light red.
• Adults have 8 legs, and nymphs have 6 legs.
• Because red bugs are so small, you may not spot them. But if you have large, itchy, red welts on your body, typically where clothes fit tightly (around the edges of socks or at your pants' waistline), this could be a sign of chigger activity.
• Red bugs are known for their bites during the summer and fall active season. The chigger latches onto your clothes and reaches your skin. Normally, they bite your ankles, waist, and warm skin folds.
• A bite from a red bug causes a lot of irritation and itching, resulting in red bumps that can escalate into skin conditions like Dermatitis and hives if not treated.

Use the image and description above to properly identify red bugs on your property. If you are unsure, contact us; our experts will help you identify the correct one.

Inspection

After you have confirmed that you are dealing with red bugs, you need to inspect and locate the areas that are or may be infested. During the inspection, you will inspect “hot spots” where red bugs are found.

Where To Inspect

Red bugs normally like to stay in damp, low-lying areas, such as meadows, near lakes or rivers, and woodsy regions, but they can adapt to different conditions as they like to move wherever they can find a food source. Most often encountered in the spring and summer, red bug larvae hang on the tops of vegetation, usually in moisture-heavy, shady areas.

Red Bugs infestations are rare indoors, so begin your search outside. Inspect tall grass in shady areas, yard debris, leaf litter, and woodpiles.

What To Look For

You are looking for signs of red bug/chigger activity, keeping a keen eye on the tops of grass blades and vegetation for their tiny, red bodies. Due to their extremely small size, it may be difficult actually to spot red bugs.

If you experience red, itchy welts after walking through sections of your yard, this may be a sign that red bug larvae have infested your skin. Make note of the area, as that will be where you focus your treatment.

Treatment

Once you have confirmed red bug activity, it is time to begin treatment. Remember to read all product labels, follow their application instructions, and wear personal protective equipment to stay safe.

To get rid of red bugs or chiggers, we recommend both an outdoor (broadcast and perimeter) and indoor treatment with Supreme IT Insecticide.

Step 1: Outdoor Treatment with Supreme IT

Supreme IT is a powerful broad-spectrum insecticide labeled to control red bugs around your structure and yard. It also has residual (or long-term) effects for up to 90 days.

First, determine how much Supreme IT you will need by measuring the square footage of your yard and home. Measure the length and width in feet of your treatment area, and then multiply that together to get the square footage (length x width = square feet).

Mix 1 fluid ounce of Supreme IT with 1 gallon of water in a pump sprayer. This will treat roughly 1,000 square feet.

Apply a perimeter treatment around your home by spraying 3 feet up and 3 feet out from the foundation of your structure. Also, apply around window frames, door frames, eaves, soffits, rain gutters, electrical/plumbing penetrations, and other entry points.

Next, you will do a broadcast treatment. Start at the back of your lawn and go to the front. Apply via fan spray nozzle setting on all tall grasses, shaded areas, bushes, and ornamentals and where you have noticed chigger activity. This setting allows for uniform coverage.

Do not let people or pets enter areas treated until the spray completely dries.

Step 2: Indoor Treatment with Supreme IT

If you’re concerned you might have red bugs inside your home, conduct an indoor crack and crevice application of Supreme IT. Focus your treatment along baseboards, crawl spaces, corners, doors and windows, and other areas where red bugs may be hiding.

Use a coarse pin-stream spray setting, as this is better for crack, crevice, and spot treatments. Do not let people or pets enter treated areas until the product has totally dried.

Prevention

Prevention is extremely important and an essential part of the control process. Ensure that red bugs do not return with the following preventative measures:

• When outdoors, wear long sleeves or high socks. It would be best if you also took a shower after being outdoors for a long period to prevent bites and get rid of any red bugs that may have hitched a ride on you. In case you get bitten by a bed bug, be well informed about it and take instant measures like using cool compressors, keeping calamine lotion handy, and taking immediate showers to soothe the itching.
• Remember to clean your yard, get rid of tall grasses and brush, and clear up yard debris, leaf litter, and woodpiles.
• Finally, Supreme IT should be applied to your yard quarterly for preventative control, especially during the Summer when red bugs are most active.

Key Takeaways

What Are Red Bugs or Chiggers?

• Red bugs are another name for chiggers and are tiny pests that feast on blood and can cause itching to pets and people.
• Red bugs are found in tall grass, weeds, woodlands, berry patches, etc. They also like moist areas, fields, forests, and areas near lakes and streams.

How To Get Rid of Red Bugs/Chiggers in Your Yard

• We recommend applying Supreme IT outdoors around your home and indoors to control red bug infestations. After red bugs have been eliminated, Supreme IT is also recommended for prevention.

Preventing Red Bug or Chigger Reinfestation and Bites

• Prevent red bug reinfestation by reducing tall grass and shady areas around your yard and clearing up leaf litter. 
• Wear long socks and long-sleeved clothing when spending excessive time outdoors, and take a shower immediately upon returning to prevent irritating bites. It would be best to use repellents like DEET to keep red bugs away.