Scabies Mite

Sarcoptes scabiei

Appearance

Image of Scabies Mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • These miniature creatures are only 0.1-2.0mm in length, and at adult stage have 4 pairs of legs
  • Mouth parts may be piercing and sucking

Lifecycle

  • The Scabies Mite only lives for around 4-6 weeks
  • The mite goes through the following phases: egg, larva, nymph and adult
  • The female lays her eggs close to the skin and the young bore into the skin

Habits

  • Mites mine in the upper epidermis of skin
  • The mite is conveyed by contact and from infected clothing