How to Get Rid of Red Bugs Effectively

Are you having problems with red bug infestation in your yard?

Did you know that this is not only harmful to your plants but you and your family as well?

This is the reason why more and more people are wondering on how to get rid of red bugs. Let’s all find out by reading the information below.

Red bugs or also known as Chiggers are so small that it is almost impossible for the naked eye to see them.

The good thing about these red bugs is that they don’t bite, the bad news is that they will leave a hole in your skin, which will become red and itchy and can pester you for a week.

Of course, before eliminating them, it would be best to know how to figure out that they are actually in your yard.

How to Know If There Are Red Bugs in the Yard

Use a Black Cardboard

Using a black cardboard, you can check your yard if there are red bugs there. The size of the cardboard needed is at least 6 inches by 6.

Once you have the cardboard, let it stand in a place in your yard where you think the red bugs are living. You can leave the cardboard for a few minutes or so.

Now once there are indeed red bugs in the area, they will start climbing through the cardboard. You will usually notice yellow or red tiny dots moving around the cardboard.

Check for Marks in Your Skin

The easiest way to know if you have red bugs in your yard is you are experiencing incessant itching after you have spent the afternoon outdoors.

Of course, this does not mean that you need to expose yourself and risk yourself to get all itchy just to know if there are red bugs in the yard. You can always do the tip mentioned above.

Getting Rid of Red Bugs Effectively

Start Mowing Your Lawn

The first thing that you need to do is to start mowing your lawn, and you need to do this regularly. You need to make sure that tall grass, weeds, and briars will be kept short or removed because these are spots where red bugs are usually hiding.

Removing these things will also remove the moisture and shade that red bugs are thriving in.

Pruning Your Plants in the Yard

The next thing that you need to do is to prune your plant, including the shrubs, bushes, and trees regularly.

This will help lessen the humidity and let more sun to filter in on them. You need to do this regularly and every single year to ensure that the environment in that area is unfriendly to red bugs.

Eliminating Red Bug Hosts from Your Yard

The most common red bugs hosts that are often seen in the yard are small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

These are the usual food source of red bugs and eliminating them from your garden will also cause for the bugs to leave since they won’t be having food to eat.

Removing the source of water is also essential as this will discourage amphibians and reptiles from coming into your yard. For small mammals, it would be best to remove foliage that is dense and as well as shrubbery since they mostly hide in these areas.

Using an Organic Pesticide

You can use an organic pesticide to eliminate red bugs especially if the infestation is already too heavy. You can use diatomaceous earth which is known as a natural product and is usually formed in a soft sedimentary rock.

You can start sprinkling this pesticide over your yard and around the yard’s parameter. Some of the best spots to sprinkle them are in areas that are too moist and that have shades. You can focus on briars, weeds, and grass when sprinkling.

These are the tips on how you can get rid of red bugs in your yard. But of course, while getting rid of them, it would be best to ensure that you will stay protected. 

Here are a few tips on how you can prevent these red bugs from causing your skin to itch:

Cover as Much Skin as Possible

When going out in your yard to water your plants or if you just want to roam around, it would be best to ensure that you are covering as much skin as possible.

This will help prevent the bugs from attaching to your skin. You can wear tall boots, long pants, and long sleeves.

Using Sulfur Powder in Shoes and Socks

You can sprinkle sulfur powder in your shoes and socks since this will help drive red bugs away. You can also sprinkle some in your pants and shirt to ensure that these bugs won’t go near you.

For people who have a sensitive sense of smell, it would be best to avoid sulfur entirely since this has a potent odor.

Brushing Skin that is Exposed

While you are outside, it would be best to brush your skin every 20 to 30 minutes. Once red bugs see your skin, they will surely get to hang on it.

So it is best to brush your skin once in a while to ensure that you are getting rid of these red bugs immediately. You can also brush your clothes off to create the same effect.

For more tips on how to handle bug infestations, read our guide on how get rid of potato bugs and mealybugs. 

Showering Using Warm Water and Soap

Of course, after exposing yourself outdoors, the best thing that you can do is to get in the shower so you can wash them away from your body.

It is essential to lather your skin with soap and rinse seven times. Warm water is also important as this will burn the red bugs that are sticking in your skin.

Above are the tips on how you can protect yourself from these red bugs that might leave an itch to your skin. Follow the tips on how to get rid of red bugs for you to be able to protect your yard and yourself.