How long can a scabies mite live in clothing? - briefly
Scabies mites can persist on garments for roughly two to three days before dying. After this period, they require direct contact with human skin to survive.
How long can a scabies mite live in clothing? - in detail
Scabies mites can remain viable on textiles for several days under favorable conditions. Survival is longest when the environment is warm (20‑30 °C) and humid (≥ 70 % relative humidity). In cool, dry settings the mites die within 24‑48 hours.
Key factors influencing persistence:
- Temperature: At 25 °C, mites survive up to 72 hours; at 10 °C, survival drops to 12‑24 hours.
- Humidity: Above 70 % RH extends life by 1‑2 days; below 50 % RH accelerates mortality.
- Material: Fibrous fabrics (cotton, wool) retain moisture, supporting longer survival; synthetic, non‑woven fabrics dry quickly, reducing lifespan.
- Exposure to light: Direct sunlight and UV radiation decrease viability within a few hours.
Effective control measures:
- Wash contaminated garments in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
- Dry items on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; tumble‑drying at ≥ 70 °C is sufficient.
- Seal unwashed items in airtight plastic bags for 72 hours; prolonged isolation deprives mites of oxygen and moisture.
- Use a dryer or iron on high heat for items that cannot be laundered.
If laundering is impossible, freezing at –20 °C for 24 hours also kills the parasites. Regular cleaning protocols combined with environmental control reduce the risk of re‑infestation from clothing.