-3- 



Chiggers or red bugs are annoying picnickers, campers, hikers and berry 

 pickers. These tiny mites burrow into a skin pore and cause a red blotch. These 

 blotches and the consequent itching may not subside for a week or more. There is 

 little that can be done to alleviate this problem. The mites attack where cloth- 

 ing is tight against the skin, such as in crotch and belt-line areas. 



To repel chiggers, spray or rub DEET (diethyl toluamide) where clothing 

 fits tightly, such as the top of socks, pant cuffs, waist and neck bands. Benzyl 

 benzoate will also protect against chiggers, but it should not be used on the skin. 

 Take a warm, soapy shower or bath immediately upon returning from a chigger- 

 infested area. The mites take several hours to settle down and begin to feed, and 

 they can often be washed off before becoming embedded. 



Potato flea beetles are still a problem in home gardens, as they feed on 

 the leaves of eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes. Sprays of carbaryl (Sevin) will 

 control them. 



Caution to Those Using Insecticides 



Before applying insecticides, read the labels carefully and follow all 

 precautions. This will not only insure personal safety, but will also eliminate 

 residue hazards. 



■*#*•#•###-*•** 



This weekly report was prepared by H. B. Petty, Steve Moore, Roscoe 

 Randell, Don Kuhlman and Clarence E. White, Illinois Natural History Survey and 

 University of Illinois College of Agriculture, in cooperation with the USDA Agri- 

 cultural Research Service, Plant Pest Control Branch, from information gathered 

 by entomologists and cooperators who send in weekly reports from their own local- 

 ities. 



Sent by: H. B. Petty 



Extension Specialist 

 in Entomology 



HBP:SM:RR:DK:CEW:gpg 



