Scabies Mites
How to Kill Scabies Mites Safely
Scabies mites are arguably the most dreaded of all mite species that can bite or infest humans. Unlike most mites which simply drop away after feeding, scabies mites burrow under the skin to complete their life cycle and cause severe itching and chronic rashes with red papules. These mites can also present a great challenge to physicians. Scabies infestations of the skin tend to respond well to permethrin creams in the beginning. Unfortunately, mite populations can regenerate after periods of overall reduction. For this reason, many people turn to essential oils for long term treatment. In an article released by the National Library of Medicine, essential oils are characterized as effective alternatives for chronic scabies mite cases where permethrin and lindane fail. (View Source.) For a list of popular essential oils associated with the treatment of scabies mites, CLICK HERE.
Note that it’s particularly important to treat furniture, as scabies mites can live outside the body for up to 36 hours. To prevent the spread of scabies mites between family members, it’s a good idea to mist furniture with our INDOOR SPRAY FORMULA. To reduce the number of times that furniture must be treated, avoid lounging around the house with uncovered skin. Infected family members should be encouraged to choose long-sleeved pajamas over shorts and tank tops.
Special attention must also be paid to handling clothing, as laundry transmission is usually blamed in scabies outbreaks connected to hospitals and nursing homes. To soak clothing in wash tubs or washing machines, try our VET’S CHOICE CONCENTRATE. This product was originally designed to add to bath water for pets who are infested with fleas, ticks or mites. Since the concentrate contains 90% cedar oil, it should not be used full strength on skin. Follow package instructions for dilution. To pre-treat clothing, try our indoor spray formula. Note that our organic indoor formula is not just a treatment for bedding and furniture. It can also be applied to human skin and dog fur. Do not dilute the indoor spray formula, as it’s already mixed at the proper strength.
What Makes Our Indoor Cedar Oil Formula Powerful and Unique?
- Leaves a fresh cedar aroma to discourage insects from moving back into sprayed territory. (Residual effects are just as important as immediate effects, especially when it comes to treating carpets, bedding, cabinets and wood floors.)
- Much less expensive than purchasing essential oils packaged in tiny bottles. Tiny bottles are meant for skin, not for wide scale home treatment!
- Won’t stain carpets, bedding or furniture because it’s steam distilled in small batches to remove impurities.
- Dissolves eggs on contact, but not by proximity. In other words, eggs must come in contact with the formula, not just the vapors.
- Can be used on human skin and clothing as an organic insect repellent.
- Can be used directly on dogs and horses to treat fleas and mites.
- Is used by housing authorities across the country against bedbugs because these hearty parasites have an uncanny ability to develop resistance to chemical pesticides.
More Facts About Scabies Mites
SIZE AND APPEARANCE: Scabies mites are invisible to the naked eye. Under a magnifying glass or microscope, they look like tiny turtles.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Scabies mites are usually transferred through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. They cannot jump, hop or fly from one person to another. Cuddling between parents and children is sufficient to transfer the mites. In severe cases, scabies mites can be transferred through contact with casual surfaces such as clothing, furniture and bedding. Scabies mites can also be transmitted through laundry, as evidenced in documented outbreaks affecting nursing homes. Dogs with sarcoptic mange can also transfer a different form of scabies mites to humans, but this type of infestation tends not to persist on humans for long periods.
ABILITY TO INFEST PEOPLE AND HOMES: Scabies mites burrow under human skin and take up residence for long periods. Since they can survive without a human host for 24 to 36 hours, direct treatment of beds and couches is a good idea for those who desire an extra measure of protection. Sick or elderly family members with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to mite infestation. See Dr. Ben’s Evictor, our indoor mite killing formula.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Scabies mites produce intense itching as opposed to tingling or prickling sensations. Scabies infestations of the skin are often characterized by scaly patches, tiny burrows, tunnels or thread-like projections. The rash can cause red papules with small lines attached called burrows. A scabies rash typically occurs on the wrists, in between fingers, in the armpits, around the waist or in the genital area.
DISEASE TRANSMISSION: There is no evidence that scabies mites can carry disease.