What are flea, mite, and chigger bites?

Fleas, mites, and chiggers are bugs that are so small you often need a microscope to see them. They aren’t dangerous. But their bites cause a very strong urge to scratch your skin.  

What causes flea, mite, or chigger bites?

Exposure to places (indoor or outdoor) that are infested with these different bugs is the main reason people are bitten.

• Fleas. They generally live in floors and rugs. They are often found in homes with pets.

• Mites. These bugs are so small they can’t be seen without a magnifying glass. Crowded living conditions raise the risk for mite infestations. Mites can affect people of any age and income level.

• Chiggers. Chigger bites are due to infestation with chigger babies (larvae). They are a species of mites that can be found in grasslands and forests and around lakes and streams.

The bites aren't serious. It may be hard to figure out which type of insect caused the bite or if the rash was caused by something else.

What are the symptoms of flea, mite, or chigger bites?

Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. Symptoms may include:

• Small, raised skin bumps.

• Pain or itching.

• Allergic reactions with swelling or blistering.

Contact your doctor if the symptoms don't go away or if you have any concerns or questions.

Call 911 or your local emergency medical service (EMS) if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction. The signs include:

• Trouble breathing.

• Tightness in the throat or chest.

• Feeling faint.

• Feeling dizzy.

• Raised, red, itchy bumps (hives) over a large part of the body.

• Nausea and vomiting.

How are flea, mite, or chigger bites diagnosed?

• Flea bites. These are often identified when many small bumps are grouped together on the skin. They are often seen on parts of the skin where clothes fit tightly and on the legs and feet.

• Mite bites. A doctor may think you have mites based on your health history and a physical exam. Intense itching and many small, red bumps, like pimples, are seen. Burrows may also be seen. These look like thin, wavy lines.

• Chigger bites. These are diagnosed based on the type of rash and your recent history of being outside in an area likely to have chiggers.

The flea, mite, or chigger bites may look like other conditions or health problems. You may be diagnosed with general insect bites. Always talk with your doctor for a diagnosis.

How are flea, mite, or chigger bites treated?

Treatment may include:

• Cleaning the area well with soap and water.

• Using an antihistamine, if needed, for itching. This can be in the form of a pill, liquid, cream, or ointment.

• Applying cool compresses or an ice pack to the area to decrease itching and swelling. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.

• Using other creams for swelling or pain.

• Taking over-the-counter pain medicines as directed for mild pain. Talk with your doctor before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease or have ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding.

Contact your doctor if you have:

• Lasting pain or itching.

• Signs of infection at the site of the bite, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage.

• A fever.

How do I prevent flea, mite, or chigger bites?

• Talk with your doctor about a safe insect repellant that you can use.

• Wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors when possible.

• Don't use heavily scented soaps, lotions, or other products.

• Use products to protect your pets from fleas.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Pain or itching that lasts.

• Signs of infection at the site of the bite, such as increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid leaking.

• A fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

Key points about flea, mite, or chigger bites

• Fleas, mites, and chiggers are bugs that are so small you often need a microscope to see them.

• These bugs aren’t dangerous. But their bites cause an almost overpowering urge to scratch your skin.

• Symptoms may include small, raised skin bumps and pain or itching. There may also be swelling or blistering.

• Call 911 if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction. These include trouble breathing, tightness in the chest or throat, and feeling faint or dizzy.

• Treatment may include cleaning the area with soap and water, using antihistamines to stop the itching, and applying a cool compress or ice pack.

Next steps

Here are some tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your doctor gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you don't take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions.