How to Get Rid of Mites – Mites are known to bite humans and cause itchy skin. Most mites are actually parasites of other animals, not people, but will bite people when animal hosts are not present. Mites are nest parasites of rodents, birds and other nesting animals. Parasitic mites feed on blood from hosts and then return to the host’s nest.
Mite species do not remain on the animal or human they feed on. Mites, such as “dog mites” (Cheyletiella species) and scabies mites, will remain on the animal or human host. Mite bites cause a rash that can be extremely itchy. Free-living mites will typically bite in areas where clothing may rub on your skin. “Scabies” or scabies mites, that live in skin will be found on parts of the body were the skin is thin such as hands, wrists, armpits and the groin area.
Scabies is the skin infestation caused by the burrowing eight-legged mite Sarcoptes scabiei (See Pictures & Video Below). Mites have infested humans for 2,500 years. A Scabie mite is not visible to the human eye.
Scabies is contracted by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Contact must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation). Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members. Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, pillow sand bedding. People with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at risk for a more severe form of scabies, called Norwegian or crusted scabies. Mites do not survive more than 48-72 hours, away from the human body. An adult female mite can live up to one month on a persons body.
No, your pet gets a different kind of scabies called mange. If your pet is infested with scabies and they have close contact with you, the mite can get under your skin and cause itching and skin irritation. However, the mite dies in a couple of days and does not reproduce. The mites may cause you to itch for several days, but you do not need to be treated with special medication to kill the mites. Until your pet is successfully treated, mites can continue to burrow into your skin and cause you to have symptoms.
Mites are made up of a high concentration of protein. When Kleen Green is introduced to the insect, the enzymes act and can cause the insect to molt (shed its outer coating) prematurely. Poison pesticides attack the nervous system of the insect, which is not always effective.
Try to avoid the use of poison based treatments. Traditional medicine will treat Scabies with poison based lotions. If using these poison based lotions, always follow the directions provided by your physician or the directions on the packaging or insert.
Sources include: Bohart Museum of Entomology