Texas Gardening Mosquitoes And Chiggers
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Chiggers! Yes, it's that time of year again. Here in Texas, they've been swarming and have been staying for a while. Within a day or so, I'm covered in chigger bites…and they itch like crazy! At this time of year, a lot of questions about how to get rid of chiggers come to mind! Luckily, I know the answers.
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How To Get Rid Of Chiggers: Natural Methods That Help
1. Keep Your Lawn Mowed
Chiggers love to hang out in tall grass and weeds. Keeping your lawn mowed as short as you can will help prevent chigger infestations.
2. Plant Marigolds
Some swear by this method! Apparently, chiggers do not like marigolds, so plant some around your home. Not only will you repel chiggers, but your flower garden will also be extra beautiful.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
For this method, use only food-grade DE only for your clothes and lawn. Chiggers hate this stuff! Before leaving the house, dust a little food-grade DE on the bottom of your pants (about 6 inches upward), your socks around ankles, and your shirt sleeves.
For your lawn, sprinkle food grade DE to repel chiggers. The rule of thumb for this method is 5 pounds per 1000 square feet.
4. Panty Hose
Wear pantyhose underneath your pants. This is a popular method due to the fact that chiggers can't bite through this kind of material.
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5. Sulfur
Using sulfur to repel chiggers is a well known and very effective repellent.
- Sulfur Powder – Dust your clothes and shoes with sulfur powder before heading outside.
- Sulfur Pellets – You can also spread sulfur pellets around your lawn to repel chiggers. The suggestion for this method is to do so before it becomes extremely hot out. However, this method is not recommended if you have pets.
- Sulfur Supplements – My mom swears by this method! My great grandmother used to give my mom sulfur tablets and the bugs really stayed away.
Before taking any sulfur supplements, please consult with your primary care physician if you have any known medical conditions, if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are taking any prescription medications. Understanding how to get rid of chiggers means finding a solution that fits with your medical needs!
6. Vinegar
Spray your clothes with white distilled vinegar before heading outdoors. Some people do this and never turn back to any other method!
7. Garlic
Eat a single clove of garlic daily to repel chiggers. Garlic is a great mosquito repellent as well.
8. Hit The Shower
Every single time I spend any time outdoors, I head straight for the shower after I come back inside. It takes time for chiggers to pierce the skin, so the sooner you can take a hot shower, the better! I also recommend using antibacterial soap.
9. DIY Chigger Repellent
Here is a great chigger repellent recipe using essential oils:
- 2 teaspoons of witch hazel
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 5 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, thyme, or lemongrass will work)
Mix well and spray directly onto your skin.
Watch this video from National Geographic so you'll know what to do when a chigger infestation runs over your garden:
If you are currently suffering from chigger bites, there are home remedies you can make to soothe your skin. These are ways to help get rid of pests.
Do any natural answers to how to get rid of chiggers? Share with us in the comment section below.
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Editor's Note: This post was originally published on September 4, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Texas Gardening Mosquitoes And Chiggers
Source: https://homesteading.com/ways-repel-chiggers-naturally/
Posted by: anthonypernihiststo.blogspot.com
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