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The human scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabei, sometimes known as the human itch mite) is the only known arthropod in Australia that can infest human skin and cause health problems. This species of mites are found worldwide. It can live under the skin and cause a condition that is known as scabies. The mites are very small (less than 0.5 mm long) straw-coloured and oval-shaped bugs with short thick legs. They are wingless with no eyes. Mite larvae have six legs, while the nymphs have eight legs.
Scabies mites dig burrows to get under the skin and make tunnels through the upper layers of the skin using an enzyme that dissolves human skin. They do not need blood to survive but rather eat human skin inside the tunnels. Typically, only one mite lives in a tunnel and rarely leaves it. In most cases, an infected person may have less than 20 female mites.
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Most scabies infestations are hard to detect, especially during the early stages. A scabies mite infestation may only be visible after a month or so. The first symptoms occur only after the host has been sensitised and has developed an allergic reaction to scabies, mites, faeces, skin moults and saliva (or the fluids present in the tunnels). The tunnels can be pale grey and threadlike that often follow the natural creases in the skin. They are mostly found in the host’s elbows, genitals, breasts, wrists and hands, especially areas between the fingers.
Their life cycle lasts around 10 to 17 days. They mate on the skin surface. Once females are fertilized, they will quickly burrow into the skin. The scabies mite lays individual eggs at a rate of 3 eggs per day. A female mite can lay 40 eggs during its lifetime. The scabies mite egg hatches in 48 hours.
Rashes may appear due to an allergic reaction to scabies mites. Patients may feel severe itching and irritation across their entire bodies, which becomes severe at night. Scabies mites may also transfer diseases. Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a term that describes the extreme infestation of thousands of scabies mites.
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The presence of scabies mites needs to be confirmed by a general practitioner before any treatment can begin. Skin scrapings are often needed before a diagnosis can be made. These need to be taken from bleeding and examined under a microscope to check and confirm an infestation.
There is a new alternative to skin scrapings. Video dermatoscopy is a noninvasive test used to determine mites, their eggs, and faces using a camera that magnifies the skin. Once the diagnosis has been made, scabies infestations are usually easy to control with topical scabicides.
Scabies mites bite humans, especially around the armpits, ankles, and areas where clothing rubs tightly against the skin. Some mite species can cause very painful bites. Their bites result in itchy red marks or rashes. Intense itching and scratching may lead to infection.
Scabies mites may cause persistent, itchy rashes. These pests burrow into the skin to breed and then emerges to feed on flesh, which causes discomfort.
People with dust allergies are usually also allergic to dust mites that live in carpets and furniture. Mite carcasses and feces can become airborne, and people can inhale them. This will cause stuffy noses, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Scabies mites are often transmitted through physical contact, especially during sexual contact or by simply sharing the bed. Mites live up to three days away from their host. They are a serious problem in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, where up to 50% of some communities are infected. Improvements in hygiene and treatment have successfully lowered infestation rates, but the problem persists in some communities.
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Flies, spiders and cockroaches are some of the most unwelcome guests you could have at home. Getting them to leave is difficult as they hide in deep spaces and dark corners, and they do it well. When they start breeding, it is easy to feel hopeless and think that there is no way you can take them all out.
Please leave it to us to take care of pest removal. With our extensive experience in extermination, we have what it takes to capture and wipe out all kinds of pests. We utilise our knowledge of environmental conditions, including the degree of temperatures and the level of humidity, to map out our pest removal strategy. The size, location and age of your property will also be taken into account whenever we conduct our on-site assessment.
If you are concerned about the side effects of pest control, we assure you that everything we do is in line with our mission to put the safety of our clients first. Rest assured that everything that goes into creating your home is guaranteed safe for your family and pets as well as the environment. All of our products are free of toxic substances and strong odours. In addition, we pride ourselves on our child-friendly pest control methods. There are various products you can purchase off the shelf to remove backyard pests. Here is a list of products sourced from Bunnings.