How can scabies mites be destroyed at home? - briefly
Apply a 5 % permethrin cream or a prescription ivermectin regimen to the whole body as directed, then wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in water at least 130 °F and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses thoroughly, disposing of the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister immediately.
How can scabies mites be destroyed at home? - in detail
Scabies infestations require immediate action to interrupt the life cycle of the mite. Effective home‑based eradication combines thorough cleaning, heat exposure, and targeted acaricide application.
First, all clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infected person should be laundered in hot water (minimum 50 °C / 122 °F) and dried on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot withstand heat must be sealed in airtight plastic bags for a minimum of 72 hours, depriving the parasites of oxygen.
Second, vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture repeatedly, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister after each use. Steam cleaning at temperatures above 55 °C (131 °F) provides additional mite kill, especially in seams and crevices where eggs reside.
Third, apply an over‑the‑counter scabicidal cream or lotion containing permethrin 5 % or benzyl benzoate to the entire body, following the product’s instructions precisely. For household surfaces, a diluted solution of 0.5 % permethrin or 5 % sulfur soap can be sprayed on mattress covers, pillowcases, and floor areas, then left to dry.
Fourth, replace or wash pet bedding separately, as animals can harbor the same species of mite. Maintain the cleaning regimen for at least one week, because newly hatched mites emerge after 10–14 days.
Finally, monitor symptoms and repeat treatment if itching persists beyond two weeks. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if the condition does not improve, to ensure appropriate prescription therapy.