In which areas do Chiggers typically inhabit?

Chiggers are known to thrive in environments that provide the moisture and ground cover they require for survival. They typically inhabit areas with tall grass and are often found near low wet spots, such as ponds and in forest underbrush. This is because these moist environments create a suitable habitat for the larval stage of chiggers, allowing them to feed on their natural hosts, which include small mammals and birds. The vegetation in these areas provides not only shelter but also facilitates the movement and attachment to hosts passing through.

In contrast, habitats such as dry deserts do not offer the necessary moisture or shelter conducive to chigger survival. Similarly, while forests and rocky terrains may provide adequate cover, they often lack the specific combination of grass and moisture that chiggers prefer. Urban gardens, while they may have some grass, typically do not replicate the natural moisture-rich conditions found in more natural habitats like those described in the correct choice. Therefore, the specific characteristics of tall grass and moist locations significantly influence where chiggers are most commonly found.