Cleaning When Scabies (mange or mites) Have Been Present
Scabies is a disease cause by mites. There are several varieties of scabies depending upon the specific mite responsible. Most frequently "scabies" when used without additional clarification refers to any of several related skin disease in dogs. Some varieties of scabies are also referred to as mange.
Scabies is characterized by eruptions (bumps) on the dog’s skin. These are irritating, causing scratching resulting in irritation and redness of the skin. The condition can become severe. Scabies is spread almost always from dog to dog by direct contact.
Humans rarely contract scabies from animals. When they do it is usually rather mild. But, a few people and very young children may have a more severe irritation. However there is a form of scabies that humans can contract and can pass from one to another. With any type of scabies specialized cleaning is more to prevent scabies from recurring or spreading to other dogs after the animal has been treated. Specialized cleaning may also be done to ease the client’s mind over the possibility of spreading to humans.
Treatment of the animal may involve special shampoos, lime and sulfur dips or other treatments suggested by veterinarians. A complete cure usually requires several treatments over a few weeks’ time. These repeated treatments get the next generation of mites.
The main prevention of the disease is keeping a healthy dog away from a sick dog. Rarely can the condition spread to a dog when another dog is not present. The mites live only a short time (several hours to 2 days) without a host animal to feed on.
As a precaution, it is wise to clean all areas an animal has been in contact with. This helps remove any remaining mites. The dogs bedding can be laundered separately. Hard surface floors can be swept and mopped. Upholstery and carpets can be cleaned with hot water extraction.
The mites that more frequently cause scabies in humans are more commonly found in tropical or semi-tropical settings. These can be passed from human to human. Scabies in humans seems to be more common in children and older folks. Someone who has had scabies in the past is more likely to suffer reaction in the future.
When humans have contracted scabies, they are treated with a prescription cream.
Slow careful vacuuming using a vacuum with HEPA filtration prevents picking up the very small mites and redistributing them into the air through an inefficient vacuum exhaust. Vacuuming can also be accomplished with vacuum that goes directly to a waste tank outside in a truck. When truck mounted vacuum equipment is used for dry vacuuming, a Dust-Downer attachment will prevent debris from being sucked into the vacuum blower and damaging it.
Slow and repeated vacuum passes should be made both for dry vacuuming and wet extraction.
For any type of scabies, clothing, bedding, blankets, towels and such should be laundered with hot water. It is also suggested to clean carpet and upholstery with hot water extraction. When the fiber being cleaned permits, use very hot water. Use whatever prespray and rinse agent that is appropriate for the type of carpet or fabric being cleaned.
Microban X-590 (1st choice) or Sterifab can be applied after cleaning for additional assurance and the client’s peace of mind.
To avoid cross-contamination, hoses and tools should be cleaned before being used in another home or job site.
When cleaning for a client where scabies has been present, be sure to charge a premium price because your procedures will be thorough, likely slower and you will invest time in cleaning whatever equipment was inside the home before going to the next job.