[at-l] Bugs in N. GA.

[rwcent@adelphia.net (Robert Coveney)]

    While I'm not an expert on chiggers, being a hiker in So Florida, I've
had my fill of 'em.  I usually get chigger bites in areas where the clothing
has elastic.  Mostly inside my socks and near the waistband of my pants.  My
reaction is such that I get a sore the size of a dime wherever I get bitten.
Last time they lasted about a month, itching a few weeks and then hurting
like hell.  My wife on the other hand, got little tiny bumps that didn't
even itch.  She didn't know she was bitten until she shaved and cut off the
top of each of these "bumps".
    I found that by spraying my socks with deet and tucking my pant legs
into the socks, I seem to avoid them fairly well.  I also avoid areas with
piles of pine needles and avoid sitting on dead trees.
    Other hikers have recommended that you apply sulfur powder to your socks
but I have not tried this yet.
    Someone recently told me that you do not find chiggers above 2000 feet
on the A/T.  Anyone have any comments on the validity of that comment?  I
know they do not like the cold.
LWOP