Scabies Mite

Natural Habitat

Exclusively inhabits human skin, burrowing into the epidermis. It thrives in crowded conditions and is commonly seen in nursing homes, extended-care facilities, and child-care centers.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on human skin cells and causes an infestation within the skin.

Behavior Patterns

Mites are typically very small and often go unnoticed. Scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where the female lays eggs. This causes intense itching and a rash. The burrows can sometimes be seen as tiny, raised lines on the skin. Scabies is spread through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and less commonly, by sharing clothing, bedding, or towels.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Scabies is highly contagious and causes intense itching, leading to discomfort and potential secondary bacterial infections from scratching. In rare cases, severe infestations (crusted scabies) can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, which are highly contagious and can be life-threatening if untreated. There are no known benefits of this mite to humans or the ecosystem.

Identified on: 9/4/2025