Question about skeeter bites.

[bassboy1]

I started noticing a lot of itching on both my ankles, I believe midday Sunday. Throughout monday, they were getting worse, and I opened a couple up mindlessly scratching them. I finally looked to see what was causing it. I have MANY bites - that look like skeeter bites - on my ankles. 37 on one, and 26 on the other. Now, I wear socks a lot, and have a distinct tan line from my leg to my foot. I wear socks and shoes almost all day, and for anything to get me then, it would have to be trapped in both of my socks, and biting repetitively. At night, I don't wear socks, so I figure that is where I got them. My question is, why did they just attack my ancles? Does it have something to do with that skin being softer for lack of a tan line? There is only about 1 or 2 bites on the rest of my legs, and farther down my feet there are less than 5. Why did they congregate there?

BTW, it itches like hell, and I have just doused it with some anti itch lotion, and the ones I broke open earlier are stinging like hell. Arrrgghh.

 

[Bassy]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

Ah, Bassboy1. You have had the unpleasant invasion of the "Chigger". Mr. Bassy got a dose of exactly what you are describing a few years ago on a trip to SW Missouri. Oh it was not fun. Here is some reading for you:
What are Chiggers?
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question488.htm

Bassy

 

[roscoe]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

I got 'em about July 11th, about 40 on one ankle, 5 on the other. Itched like made for a week.

The Benedryl cream helped.
Still have the red marks.

 

[muskyone]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

got them in boundry waters one year wanted to jump out of the canoe and drown myself to stop the itch

 

[i386]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

If you wear short socks or regular socks pushed down they could have got you then. They will often "bite" at the top of socks or waistband. I got into 'em pretty badly a few weeks ago while riding motorcycles in the woods. It does itch like hell. Look 'em up on Wikipedia, bassy's link etc... Not much you can do at this point but try to get through it. Start wearing insect repellent when you go out. Last time I took the dirt bike out into the woods I jumped in the shower and washed down with vinegar to hopefully kill the little buggers.

 

[rwise]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

skeeters WILL bite right through your socks, shirt, or other clothing they aint proud, but sounds like chiggers to me also, *chigger rid*
powdered sulfer will keep chiggers off, just rub it on and go!

 

[MikDee]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

Well, thanks for the info, my wife got bitten bad about the ankles at a nearby lake when we were jetskiing, I had a lighter dose, we were wondering what the heck they were to leave such a lasting annoying bite at ankle hieght.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

Chiggers are the worst! You have to try and avoid scratching. A tip: Regular household ammonia makes the itch subside when it's making you absolutely crazy. If you don't scratch them, they go away in 1/3 the time. Try to avoid scratching them all open - some people get secondary staph infections from chigger bites...

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

I had forgotten all about chiggers. Had the little buggers quite a bit when we lived out in the country. Except then they usually wouldn't head for your ankles....

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

Ah, Bassboy1. You have had the unpleasant invasion of the "Chigger". Mr. Bassy got a dose of exactly what you are describing a few years ago on a trip to SW Missouri. Oh it was not fun. Here is some reading for you:
What are Chiggers?
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question488.htm

Bassy

Great link Bassy! Thanks.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

The ammonia and water work good on insect bites. I use an After Bite stick. It is ammonia and water, but comes in a great stick with a nice applicator. May cost more, but you can put it in your pocket.

Watch out if you have been scratiching. If it is scratched open, the ammonia will sting like a bee in you sock.

I have never had chiggers, but have heard they are bad. Good luck.

P.S. It has to be an After Bite stick or other that has ammonia and water. the others I have tried don't work very well if at all.

After reading the link, the after bite may not be the thing for chigger bites. For mosquitos, it work great. Works the best right after the bite.

 

[burroak]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

A yarn dipped in kerosene and tied around the ankles will keep the chiggers away - the first essential thing to do before blackberry picking in the Cumberland Mtns. They seem to need tightly fitting clothes areas to get their backs against to burrow in. A spot of fingernail polish will 86 the little dudes once they get under your skin. Clear is best for real men.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

The plant Hen & Chicks works great for taking the itch away from insect bites.

 

[burroak]

Re: Question about skeeter bites.

The plant Hen & Chicks works great for taking the itch away from insect bites.

How do you use the Hens and Chicks? Smash the leaves and rub on the bite?