Chigger vs Deer Tick – in 5 Important Points Explained!
Chigger vs Deer Tick – in 5 Important Points Explained!
With the warm weather comes the ever so unwelcome guest, the ticks! Two of the most common varieties of ticks found in the United States are the chigger and the deer tick. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the two tick types differ and the five most important points you should consider when it comes to both chiggers and deer ticks.
1. Size
In terms of size, chiggers are much smaller than deer ticks. Chiggers are barely visible to the naked eye and measure just 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters in size. Deer ticks, on the other hand, can grow to be a little larger, measuring between 2 and 4 millimeters in size.
2. Bite Mark
Chiggers can cause a small, itchy welt on your skin. These welts will usually show up in clusters and become visible within a day or two of being bitten. Deer ticks, on the other hand, can cause a more recognizable bite mark, called a bulls-eye rash, which is characterized by a red ring with a white center.
3. Disease Risks
Chiggers generally don’t transmit diseases, so the main risk of a chigger bite is an itchy inflammation that can last up to five days. Deer ticks, however, are known to carry diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever and can be dangerous if left untreated.
4. Location
Chiggers are more commonly found in areas with long grass, so you are more likely to find them in fields, shrubs, and woods. Deer ticks, on the other hand, are more commonly found in wooded and grassy areas with a high amount of moisture.
5. Effective Treatment
Chigger bites can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and topical creams. To prevent further bites, it is important to wear Tick Repellent and to wash your clothes and shower promptly after potential exposure. To treat a deer tick bite, it is important to take measures to remove the tick as soon as possible and monitor for symptoms of Lyme disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chiggers and deer ticks can both pose a threat to humans but they differ in size, appearance, risk of disease, and location. It is important to be aware of the differences between the two so that you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from tick-related harm.
