Cheyletiella Mites
How to Kill Cheyletiella Mites on Pets, Carpets, Couches, Mattresses and Bedding
Note: If you’re looking for a formal identification of the specific type of mite that’s biting you, visit a site such as VetDna.com and follow the directions for sample submission. This is a pest control site.
Cheyletiella is a genus of mites most commonly associated with dogs, cats and rabbits, but they can also live for long periods on humans. The skin irritation these mites produce is commonly referred to as walking dandruff, due to the appearance of moving skin scales carried by the mites. In humans, the mites may be hard to find. An itchy rash is often the only sign. Cheyletiella mites reproduce quickly and can infest homes for long periods of time. Direct spray treatment of pets, humans, carpets and furniture is strongly advised. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of our indoor cedar oil formulation triggers an instant danger response, forcing the mite to close its breathing pores.
More Facts About Cheyletiella Mites
SIZE AND APPEARANCE: Cheyletiella mites are reddish in color with claw-like mouth parts and appendages that end in prominent hooks. Although they tend to be larger than most mites, in many cases they can be quite difficult to find. They don’t burrow under skin like scabies mites, but they may indeed hide within the keratin coat of the skin’s epidermis or outermost layers. Moving skin flakes may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Samples of dandruff caught on sticky tape can be examined for the presence of mites or their eggs. For a positive diagnosis, ask your veterinarian or dermatologist for a skin scraping.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION: They are typically contracted through contact with infested animals, clothing or bedding. Micro tiny eggs clinging to household surfaces can be picked up on clothing or human skin, further perpetuating the infestation.
ABILITY TO INFEST PEOPLE AND HOMES: Cheyletiella mites can live on humans quite awhile, but they can’t reproduce on humans. Unlike scabies, they don’t complete their entire life cycle on humans and are thus considered to be transient parasites. They can live apart from a host for up to ten days, seeking new hosts and infesting other territories within the home. Human symptoms generally resolve when pet infestations are addressed.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Redness, dandruff, hair loss, itchiness, moving skin flakes, scabs, scales, bumps, nasal irritation and sneezing.
TREATMENT OF HUMANS AND PETS: Spray pets and humans with Dr. Ben’s Evictor or Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws, our organic cedar oil formula. Do not rinse. If necessary, a generous amount may be applied to human hair. Place a non porous shower or swim cap over a freshly saturated scalp and leave the cap in place for an hour. Mites absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of cedar oil triggers an instant danger response, forcing the arthropod to close its breathing pores.
HOME TREATMENT: Since cheyletiella mites can live without a host for up to ten days, it’s particularly important to spray carpets, couches and bedding with Dr. Ben’s Evictor. The solution will not stain. For advanced infestations in homes with multiple pets, fumigation may be necessary. Our state-of-the-art fog machine penetrates unseen cracks and crevices where all types of parasites hide. Animals can safely be returned to the home a few hours after fogging.