Express-News
GARDENING, ETC.
Sunday, June 24, 2001
All About Chiggers / Gomphrena Takes the Heat
We have been receiving numerous calls on a pesty insect,
the chigger, and questions about what can be planted now to bring some color
to the landscape. In today's article, we are going to talk about what can
be done about the chigger and an annual that will provide you some color,
easy to grow, and loves the heat-Gomphrena globosa.
|
Illustration: Texas A&M University-Department of Entomology |
To
identify the insect usually is by the symptoms they cause and inflict because
in the larval state, they only are 1/150th of an inch in diameter, they
have six legs, the nymph on adults have 8 legs, can be as large 1/20 of
an inch and usually bright red in color. They are cousins to ticks and spiders. Chiggers are active from spring and fall but are most numerous in early summer when weeds, grasses and undergrowth are heaviest. They like shaded grassy areas, and like to wait on the tips of grass leaves for their host which includes all types of livestock, birds and yes, even humans. |
Weather conditions in South Central Texas has been excellent for insects of all kinds, good and bad - one that is considered a bad insect - the Chigger. Common chiggers also known as "jiggers" and "redbuds" are tiny pests which belie their size in the amount of torment they cause humans. Chiggers attack themselves to tender skin areas to feed, the bites or attachment sites become inflamed and welt, then the annoying itching sets in.
This spring we have had several chiggers related calls from our clientele and some things that you can do to avoid chiggers are - repellants - the same ones that repel against mosquitos are quite effective to repel chiggers, these include permethrin, dieythyl toluamide, dimethyl carbate, benzyl benzoate, and many others. These repellants are formulated as liquids, aerosol sprays, solid sticks and ointments. Follow label instructions. You can spray pant's legs, socks and shoes, wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid sitting or reclining on the ground when camping, picnics or orking outdoors.
To reduce the itch of chiggers bites, take a hot soapy bath after exposure to chigger infested areas, the soap will help to remove and kill chigger larvae. Apply antiseptic solution to any welts that have appeared; once welting has occurred the insect is trapped and is dying under your skin, the antiseptic will help prevent infection. Although the chigger is destroyed, the itching and burning may last 3 to 4 days. Temporary relief can be obtained by applying a commercial product, ask your pharmacist.
Chigger control in large parks, recreation areas, and campgrounds is impractical. Chiggers can sometimes become a pest problem in home lawn, they especially like Bermuda grass, there are insecticides that will help reduce chigger populations - ask your turfgrass specialist or local nursery for recommended products, and always read and follow carefully the instructions on the container label.
 Photo: University of Hawaii |
As we approach the most stressful period of the year for our gardens, there are some plants that thrivein hot, dry conditions. Gomphrena globosa, or Bachelor Buttons, is one of those thatdeserve special recognition. They are readily available in local nurseries or easily grown from seed. Colors range from purple, rose, orange and white. Bachelor Buttons were popular with our ancestors for their "everlasting" quality. Dozens of individual flowers occur on each plant, which are attractive mounds about two feet tall and wide. This is definitely a plant that will not thrive until the weather is really hot. June and July are good times to plant the seeds. For a mass effect, plant them 1 to 1-1/2 feet apart. The seeds also can be sown directly into the ground. |
| They remain attractive until
late fall. Few insects seem to bother Gomphrena, but they can be lost due to root rot. Little fertilizer or water is needed to produce a massive display. Good drainage is essential. It is not too late to start new plants in your garden now. Plants started now will make a beautiful fall display. To dry Bachelor's Buttons, cut stems of flowers and hang upside down in a dark, dry area and allow them to dry. They will hold their color for a year or more. These dried flowers can be used in a variety of ways. |
 Photo: University of Colorado |
