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Fleas, Mange & Scabies
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Please Read: This site contains information about using pesticides. Pesticides can be dangerous if used improperly or carelessly. Always follow label instructions. The pesticide product label is the final word on the safe and legal use of pesticides. Questions about pesticide toxicity can be explored at the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). Control suggestions are intended for users in the state of Oregon, USA. Others should consult with local experts before relying solely on this information. |
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| Scabies and Mange. Many mites (tiny, eight-legged animals more closely related to spiders than to insects) cause skin irritations or allergies. These include house dust mites, itch mites, chiggers or red mites, and several fowl mites. However, scabies mites, are perhaps the most frequently encountered human parasitic mites. In horses and dogs we use the term mange (as in "mangey mutt") to describe a scabies mite infestation.
Scabies are very small (female: 1/60") mites that burrow and feed under the skin. They spend their entire life cycle on the host animal but can survive off-host for up to 10 days, if conditions are moist. They can, therefore, be transmitted by infested clothing, towels, bedding, etc. Burrowing and feeding causes intense itching that when scratched may lead to infection and open wounds. Hard, pinhead-size pimples containing a yellow fluid may form over infested areas. You may also see faint grayish or reddish lines under the skin. Transmission of scabies mites usually is by close contact with infested individuals. Suspected infestations should be directed to a physician. This is a medical problem for the most part and cannot be handled by pest control in the home. Very effective topical lotions are available to treat scabies outbreaks in both people and pets. Do not use medication intended for animals on people (and vise versa). Treatment may be repeated at 3-10 days to kill mites hatching from eggs, but follow medical advice in all cases. Clothing and bedding from an infested individual should be carefully laundered or dry cleaned. |
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| Useful Links | ||
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National Pesticide Information Center Iowa State University Entomology Internet Resources OSU Extension & Experiment Station Communications (Publications) |
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Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 Contact: Neil Bell, Community Horticulturalist, OSU Extension Service, 3180 Center Street NE Room 1361, Salem, OR 97301; 503-361-2671; e-mail: neil.bell@oregonstate.edu or contact: Jack DeAngelis, Extension Entomologist (ret.) at getinfo@livingwithbugs.com. Copyright 2005 Oregon State University Disclaimer |
