Chiggers live primarily outdoors in warm, humid environments with plenty of vegetation. Their preferred habitats include:
- Grassy or wooded areas near water, such as fields, forests, and lawns close to lakes, streams, or rivers
- Moist, shaded vegetation like tall grass, overgrown foliage, leaf litter, rotten logs, and stumps
- Brushy, grassy, or weedy areas that retain moisture during the day
- They thrive in warm temperatures, especially between 77°F and 86°F (25–30°C), and are most active from late spring through late summer in temperate climates
Geographically, chiggers are widespread and can be found almost anywhere except Antarctica. In the United States, they are most prevalent in the Southeast, South, and Midwest regions, including states like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, but they also appear in parts of the Northeast and other temperate areas
. In summary, chiggers live in warm, humid, and vegetated outdoor environments, especially near water sources and shaded areas with dense plant growth. They are common in many parts of the world and across much of the U.S., particularly where conditions favor moisture and warmth
