How to treat a room for scabies mites? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics in water at least 50 °C and dry on high heat; vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly. Apply a labeled acaricide to cracks, crevices, and furniture, then seal the room for 24–48 hours to ensure complete eradication.
How to treat a room for scabies mites? - in detail
Scabies mites survive off the human host for only 24–36 hours, so prompt environmental decontamination can break the infestation cycle. The following protocol eliminates viable mites from a bedroom, living area, or other indoor space.
- Strip all bedding, towels, and clothing. Wash at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; if the fabric cannot tolerate hot water, place in a sealed plastic bag for 72 hours, which exceeds the mites’ survival window.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattress surfaces thoroughly. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container and discard it outside the home.
- Apply a synthetic pyrethrin spray or a permethrin‑based aerosol to hard surfaces, cracks, and crevices where mites may hide. Follow the product label for concentration, contact time, and ventilation requirements.
- Steam‑clean carpets, curtains, and upholstered items at temperatures ≥ 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 10 minutes. The heat denatures mite proteins and destroys eggs.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., pillows, stuffed toys) in airtight bags for 72 hours. The sealed environment deprives mites of oxygen and prevents re‑infestation.
- After treatment, keep the room closed and unoccupied for at least 24 hours to allow residual chemicals to act and to prevent re‑exposure.
Repeat the vacuuming and steam‑cleaning steps after one week, as any surviving eggs may hatch within that period. Maintaining a temperature above 30 °C (86 °F) in the room for several days further reduces the risk of lingering mites. Proper personal hygiene and simultaneous treatment of affected individuals are essential to prevent re‑contamination.