How can you get rid of scabies mites in an apartment? - briefly
Thoroughly wash all bedding, clothing, and washable items at ≥60 °C, vacuum carpets and upholstery, and treat infected persons with a prescribed scabicide such as permethrin. Seal or discard non‑washable items that cannot be decontaminated.
How can you get rid of scabies mites in an apartment? - in detail
Eliminate the parasite from a living space by combining thorough cleaning, heat treatment, and, if necessary, medicated products.
Begin with personal treatment. All occupants should receive prescription scabicidal medication to stop further egg laying. Follow the doctor’s dosage schedule precisely, and repeat the dose after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched mites.
Remove and isolate clothing, bedding, and towels worn within the preceding 72 hours. Wash each item in water at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for a minimum of 72 hours; the mites cannot survive beyond three days without a host.
Vacuum every carpet, rug, upholstered sofa, and mattress surface. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, then discard the bag or clean the canister in hot, soapy water. Follow vacuuming with steam treatment: apply a handheld steamer set to 100 °C (212 °F) on all fabric surfaces, focusing on seams, folds, and crevices where eggs may reside.
For hard surfaces, wipe down counters, tables, and bathroom fixtures with a solution containing 0.1 % benzyl benzoate or 5 % permethrin, according to label instructions. Allow the solution to remain wet for the recommended contact time before rinsing.
If infestation persists after the above measures, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. They can apply acaricidal sprays formulated for indoor use, ensuring coverage of hidden areas such as wall cracks, under baseboards, and within air‑conditioning ducts.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining a routine of weekly laundering of linens at high temperature, regular vacuuming, and immediate treatment of any new skin lesions with prescribed medication. Limit sharing of clothing and bedding, and educate all residents on the transmission cycle of the mite.