Chiggers - How do you keep your pets safe? (Rea: house, scorpions)

[Boof]

Originally Posted by c3bunny

I know what you mean Boof, but where there's greenery there's bugs. That's one thing that I have learned in the short time that I lived in Indiana as a kid. Lots of bugs. I live in the desert and I have yet to see a snake, have only seen one scorpion and yes there are lots of spiders here. Especially black widows, brown recluse and sun spiders. Chiggers are a nusuance and I had my run in with them when I visited a few years ago but I feel that I am at least more educated to deal with them now. I will take Versatiles advice and talk to a vet about frontline. I did get a little itchy last night reading all of the posts from the chigger website. LOL

I guess you're right C. At least we can be on the defensive with these blasted critters, and maybe save ourselves some grief. I still don't know about the scorpions tho.... Maybe I'll have to take up target practice. LOL

The good thing is that I just went to the Vet, and got Frontline for my dog. The Dr. says he can use any kind he wants, and this is what he uses for his dogs, so..based on the fact that he's probably one of THE best Vets in town, I'll take his word for it.

And I know what you mean, I'm gettin' itchy myself...

Boof

[MoMark]

Just remember with chiggers... the myth is that they burrow under the skin and are living there. The truth is that they bite, inject a special type of saliva that forms a straw-like structure in the skin while liquifying the living flesh in it. That's what they suck up. YUM YUM
By the time you notice the itch and see the welt, the chigger is off smoking a cigarette and having a cognac aperitif with his legs up on the stool relaxing.
Nothing you can do really but wait for your body to remove the foreign remains of the chiggers dining habits.
The good thing is that most of the time they get brushed off before they start their munching and usually if you shower after coming inside and throw the clothes into the washer the chiggers are toast and you'll never even know they were there.
For animals Advantage or Frontline should help. Plus, their fur repels a lot of the chiggers as they can't always get through.

[Versatile]

I have lived here for 54 yrs and i have never seen a scorpion.

[Boof]

Originally Posted by MoMark

For animals Advantage or Frontline should help. Plus, their fur repels a lot of the chiggers as they can't always get through.

MoMark, Thanks for the info. I always enjoy your posts. You think it'd be that much of a problem if the dog stays in the back yard? Or do we need to be careful everywhere?

Also, If the fur repels alot of the Chiggers, would it be safe to assume that the majority might be around the foot and leg areas?

I think I'm more worried about the dog than I am with myself, ya know? Oh, and how about them getting in her ears? Is that a major concern too?

Thx, Boof

[MoMark]

Originally Posted by Boof

MoMark, Thanks for the info. I always enjoy your posts. You think it'd be that much of a problem if the dog stays in the back yard? Or do we need to be careful everywhere?

Also, If the fur repels alot of the Chiggers, would it be safe to assume that the majority might be around the foot and leg areas?

I think I'm more worried about the dog than I am with myself, ya know? Oh, and how about them getting in her ears? Is that a major concern too?

Thx, Boof

I don't have a dog right now and my cats are indoor, but my neighbors all have dogs and they run through the woods and all over the grass and seem fine.
As others have said, the problem with chiggers is really mostly relegated to high grass areas. Mowed and maintained areas aren't really their domain. Your dogs should be fine. I don't worry about chiggers to tell the truth, but checking for ticks is crucial in the summer!
Ticks gross me out!!!!
Thanks for the nice comment too by the way

[Boof]

Originally Posted by Versatile

I have lived here for 54 yrs and i have never seen a scorpion.

Versatile,

Music to my ears!!! Thank you for your input. I'd say if you haven't seen one in 54 yrs, then the odds are with me, huh?

Maybe I can put a sign in my yard that says 'No Scorpions Allowed!'. Ya think that'll work? LOL

Thx Again, Boof

[c3bunny]

I think that scorpions are a much less of concern to me than ticks. The chiggers seem to stick to tall grass so I will get a big mower!
Ticks will be the ones to stick in between the toes of the dogs and behind the ears. I remember that from when I lived in Arizona. I wonder if horses would be affected by ticks, any advice there?

[Boof]

Originally Posted by c3bunny

I think that scorpions are a much less of concern to me than ticks. The chiggers seem to stick to tall grass so I will get a big mower!
Ticks will be the ones to stick in between the toes of the dogs and behind the ears. I remember that from when I lived in Arizona. I wonder if horses would be affected by ticks, any advice there?

C, I forgot all about the Ticks! What a dork! I guess the Frontline should help that tho, right? I'm wondering if there are any Essential Oils that will help repel Tick & Chiggers? Or possibly Neem?

We have a liquid Castille soap that I could add oils to and bathe the dog in it. Hmmmm, I'll have to check it out. As long as it doesn't mess up the Frontline.

But it is good news about the Scorps, huh?

[midwest456]

Don't worry about the scorpions. I only mentioned them so you wouldn't be startled if you did see them in the house. I have been going down to the lake home regularly for the last five years and have never been stung. We do have exterminators come spray once in a while, but it's more to keep the camel crickets scarce. We used to have deer mice once in a while but I don't think I've seen even one in the last couple years. Sticky traps on the floor in the pantry and boiler room also have kept the vermin population low. Keep in mind that this is a family vacation home that we don't visit every week and that if someone lived there fulltime there would probably be even fewer pests in the house.

[Boof]

Originally Posted by midwest456

Don't worry about the scorpions. I only mentioned them so you wouldn't be startled if you did see them in the house. I have been going down to the lake home regularly for the last five years and have never been stung. We do have exterminators come spray once in a while, but it's more to keep the camel crickets scarce. We used to have deer mice once in a while but I don't think I've seen even one in the last couple years. Sticky traps on the floor in the pantry and boiler room also have kept the vermin population low. Keep in mind that this is a family vacation home that we don't visit every week and that if someone lived there fulltime there would probably be even fewer pests in the house.

Midwest, Thank you for the good news. I really appreciate your letting me know the scoop. It's nice to hear it's not where you live daily, because you are right, the pests probably aren't as bad there. I'll just have to remember the sticky traps.

And what are Camel Crickets??? Crickets terrify me! Lord have mercy, another varment! Lucky for me, I'll have a pest control service regularly spray to help keep the 'pests' away. I've had pest service for the last 22 years, and think it's worth every penny!

I know, anyone reading this will think....'Lady, just stay where you are if you're that scared of everything!!!'. But I beg you to be kind...I'm trying very hard to think outside the box, and am hopeful with your help and some strength from the 'man upstairs', that I'll be able to 'suck it up' and get past my fears. The trade offs should be well worth the effort.

Thx, Boof