 |
 |
 |
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 HUMAN ITCH MITE
Common Name: Human itch mite; scabies
Scientific Name:Sarcoptes scabiel var. hominis
 Introduction. The common name comes from the intense itching caused by these mites burrowing in the skin just below the surface, causing the skin condition commonly called scabies. Different varieties of Sarcoptes scabiel are specific to different mammal species and not easily transferable from one host to another. Scabies is a medical condition and should be treated by a physician. Its symptoms may be confused with those caused by other mites and/or insects. These mites are found worldwide, potentially wherever their human host is found.
Recognition. Adult human itch mites are microscopic, measuring 1/128 to 1/64 inch long. The body is broadly oval, almost round in shape, and flat. They are translucent amber to light brown in color.
 Biology. Developmental stages include egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Larvae have only 3 pairs of legs. Mating probably occurs on the skin surface and the change from immature to mature female occurs after insemination. The inseminated female burrows into the horny epidermal layer of skin, which requires about an hour and then never leaves her burrow. She lays eggs singly at the rate of 1 to 3 per day over her reproductive period, which is about 2 months, for a total of about 40 to 50 eggs. She will extend her winding burrow 1/64 to 1/4 inch per day, with it usually not exceeding 1/4 to 5/8 inch in length. The life cycle (egg to egg) for females is 10 to 19 days, whereas males require 9-11 days. Less then 10% of the eggs deposited mature into adults (90% mortality). Females die within their burrow.
Locations
Serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area since 1956, including
Arnold, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Crestwood, Creve Coeur, Des Peres,
Fenton, Florissant, Kirkwood, Maryland Heights, Overland, St.
Charles, Webster Groves, Wentzville and surrounding areas.
In Illinois: Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Columbia,
Madison, Waterloo, O’Fallon, Granite City, Alton, St. Clair, Monroe
and surrounding areas.
Columbia & Jefferson City, MO and surrounding areas. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
