How long does a scabies mite live on a human? - briefly
A scabies mite can survive on a human host for approximately one month, with females living up to 4–6 weeks and males only about 1–2 weeks.
How long does a scabies mite live on a human? - in detail
Scabies mites survive on a human body for approximately four to six weeks. An adult female, which is responsible for laying eggs, remains viable for about 30–45 days while feeding on the skin. Males live a shorter interval, typically 10–14 days, because they die after mating.
The life cycle proceeds as follows:
- Egg – laid within a skin tunnel; hatches in 3–4 days.
- Larva – six-legged stage; feeds for 3–4 days before molting.
- Nymph – eight-legged stage; undergoes two molts over 5–7 days each.
- Adult – emerges after the final molt; resumes feeding and reproduction.
Environmental factors influence survival. At ambient temperatures of 20–25 °C and normal humidity, the stages progress at the rates listed above. In cooler or drier conditions, development slows, extending the overall timeline slightly.
If removed from a host, a mite cannot sustain itself beyond 48–72 hours. Lack of skin contact and the absence of a suitable environment cause rapid desiccation and death.
Effective treatment with topical scabicidal agents eliminates live mites within 24–48 hours, preventing further egg laying and halting the cycle.