Where do ear mites live? - briefly
Ear mites inhabit the inner ear canal of cats, dogs, rabbits and other small mammals, residing in the warm, moist environment near the eardrum. They thrive in accumulated wax and debris, feeding on skin cells and secretions.
Where do ear mites live? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, occupy the external auditory canal of mammals. The micro‑environment is warm, humid, and lined with cerumen, which supplies both moisture and nutrients. The mites attach to the epidermal surface of the ear canal, feeding on skin debris and secretions. Their legs are adapted for clinging to the thin layer of hair and skin within the canal, enabling rapid movement across the ear’s inner surface.
The infestation typically remains confined to the outer ear, but heavy loads can extend to the auricle and adjacent skin folds, where secondary inflammation develops. Within the canal, the mites create tunnels in the ceruminous glands, facilitating accumulation of debris and fostering bacterial growth. The optimal temperature range for development is 20‑30 °C, and relative humidity above 50 % promotes egg viability.
Common hosts include:
- Cats (domestic and feral)
- Dogs (all breeds)
- Rabbits
- Ferrets
- Small rodents (e.g., guinea pigs)
Occasional reports describe transient presence on other body sites, such as the eyelids or nasal passages, yet these locations lack the specialized conditions required for sustained reproduction.
Outside a host, ear mites survive only briefly. Eggs hatch within 3‑4 days, and larvae require a host to complete development. Environmental persistence is limited to a few days on moist surfaces; dry conditions reduce viability to under 24 hours. Consequently, direct contact between animals remains the principal transmission route.