A chigger is a tiny mite larva (the baby stage of a mite) that causes intensely itchy bites on humans and animals. These microscopic creatures, barely visible to the naked eye, live in grassy or wooded areas and attach themselves to skin when you brush against vegetation. Despite common belief, chiggers don't burrow under your skin. Instead, they inject digestive enzymes that break down skin cells, which they then eat. Your body's reaction to these enzymes creates small, incredibly itchy red welts that can last for days.

Chiggers are most active in warm weather and tend to bite in areas where clothing fits snugly, like around ankles, waistbands, or behind knees. They're especially common in the southern United States. If you've been hiking through tall grass or playing in an overgrown field and later develop clusters of itchy bumps, chiggers are a likely culprit.

The best defense is prevention: wearing long pants when walking through tall grass, using insect repellent, and showering soon after outdoor activities. The itching from chigger bites is notorious for being worse than mosquito bites, and scratching can make it worse.