Hi Gang,

Maybe I'm sensitive to the venom, but whenever I come to the Gunks I get ant bites. Usually it's only a couple, but yesterday it was several dozen. Problem is that I don't feel it when it's happening so I only notice the welts when I get home and they start to itch.

I was wearing a shirt all day yesterday and yet most of the bites/stings are where my shirt was covering.

Any advice on how to avoid these critters. I try to watch where I'm sitting. Does DEET work? The welts last for up to a month and are pretty itchy for at least a weeks.

Thanks,

Kim

sounds like chigger bits to me.

http://www.oklahomapoison.org/general/chiggers.asp

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/dermatologytopics/a/06_chiggers.htm

Like Smike said, those are chiggers. Ants inject formic acid when they bite - it's a distinct sting and aroma and you know it immediately.

Yep it does. And its more consistant with how my symtoms developed - the next day.

I'll try the insect repellant.

Thanks, Kim

Why on earth would you think it was ant bites? When an ant bites you, it feels like a bee sting. They have formic acid, and you'll find that if you bite them back, they taste just like little lemon drops. You're bigger, you'll win.

As for your bites, they're almost certainly chigger bites. Seem to be a lot of 'em around this year.

GO

Yes, chiggers. Yes, DEET spray on lower body works like a charm. (I put on on my clothing and legs before donning the harness)

ive got one in the most unfortunate place possible.
well, make that 2.

Remember too, chiggers love warm, moist places like around harness straps and areas in between. If the bites are concentrated there and itch like hell, they are most certainly chiggers.

Ants tend to bite the first thing they touch or the first fold in clothing that stops them.