Chiggers are commonly found on the tip of blades of grasses to catch a host, so keeping grass short, and removing brush and wood debris where potential mite hosts may live, can limit their impact on an area.

[1][2] Thus, the bites are often clustered behind the knees, or beneath tight undergarments such as socks, underwear, or brassieres.

Areas higher in the body (chest, back, waist-band, and under-arms) are affected more easily in small children than in adults, since children are shorter and are more likely than adults to come in contact with low-lying vegetation and dry grass where chiggers thrive.

The dusting of shoes, socks and trouser legs with sulfur can be highly effective in repelling chiggers.

Chiggers in North America thrive late in summer, in dry tall grasses and other thick, unshaded vegetation.