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Blog > How Long Can Scabies Live On A Mattress [2025 Guide]
If you're stuck with a scabies infestation, you're probably thinking, "I'll do anything to make this stop!" And we get it: scabies are irritating and frustrating. And they're just plain gross.
In this article, we'll be going over all the details on what scabies are, how they are spread, how they get treated, and what you can do to keep them out of your precious sleep space.
So buckle up. It's not going to be pretty. But we are here for you every step of the way.
Scabies is a skin infestation by a human itch mite formally known as "Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis". This microscopic mite burrows into the upper layer of human skin. That is where it lives and lays its eggs. Its main food source is your blood.
The most common symptoms of scabies include:
Scabies mites are found across the world on people of all races and social classes. In fact, the WHO estimates that around 200 million people suffer from scabies at any given time. This irritating little mite tends to spread better in crowded conditions with lots of physical contact, such as nursing homes, extended care facilities, child care facilities, and prisons. But it's important to note that they can be contracted anywhere.
Scabies mite infestations are usually spread by direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who is already infested. They may also be spread through contact with things like clothing, towels, and bedding used by an infested person. You cannot get scabies from a pet.
Typically, only 10-15 scabies live on a single person. This makes finding evidence of an infestation difficult. It can help with diagnosis if there is more than one person in the home who is also showing symptoms. Norwegian scabies can host thousands of mites which makes infection much more obvious and contagious.
Yes. Even though scabies prefer to just hang out with people, they can still hitch a ride on your mattress. This is because the human body can transfer some of these mites when a person lays down. The mites wait around until someone else comes along for them to snack on. However, you should know that transmission is more common through skin-to-skin contact rather than contact with a used item.
We're sure you're looking to keep these little critters out of your bed. So let's explore some of the ways they get there and how you can get them out.
Yes, scabies can temporarily live in sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and other bedding items. However, spreading scabies through contact with bedding is slightly more common with Norwegian (crusted) scabies. This is mainly because infections with crusted scabies involve a lot more mites—thousands per person as opposed to the typical 10 or 15. If the scabies cannot access human blood within a few days, they will die.
Scabies can live for a short period of time in a mattress. They can live for much longer if they have human contact or access to their food source (aka. human blood). While other animals can get their own types of mites, your pets will not be able to contract the scabies from you. So once you start treating their food source (aka. you), you'll be on your way to getting them out of your mattress too.
Here's the short version: scabies can't live without you. You can shorten their time spent in your mattress if you keep them away from their food source. Factors that determine the lifespan of scabies in your mattress include:
Once you understand how scabies live and where, you'll be able to better understand how to keep them out of your mattress and out of your life. So let's get into some details, shall we?
Scabies can live for as long as 1-2 months on a person. When they are away from their food source (aka. human blood), they can die within 48-72 hours—3 days at most. They also cannot survive high temperatures. Scabies mites that are exposed to a temperature of 122℉ (50 °C) will die within 10 minutes. Many steam cleaners are also effective at killing scabies because of this fact.
The amount of time that scabies can live in bedsheets depends on a few factors. If you're currently being treated for scabies (usually with a topical medication such as benzyl benzoate or permethrin), clean your bedding and treat your mattress regularly to prevent reinfestation. Only about 5% of people with scabies end up needing a second treatment. If you haven't needed to be retreated for the past 30 days, you probably no longer have scabies and can resume your normal routine. If you didn't use an item for 7+ days before you started treatment, you shouldn't need to clean it.
Since scabies cannot live without food, you can decontaminate your mattress by staying away for at least 72 hours or using a zippered mattress cover during and a few days after treatment. You can decontaminate bedding by steaming or machine-washing it with hot water and tumble drying on hot. Professional dry cleaning is also effective. With crusted scabies, you should also vacuum the furniture and carpets.
Many of the following approaches work well for cleaning mattresses if you cannot use the aforementioned methods and it cannot be steam cleaned. Other methods listed are better for hard surfaces and other items.
Yes. Lysol can kill scabies. You can use it on your mattress so long as the manufacturer doesn't recommend against it. It's also helpful for cleaning hard surfaces and furniture that cannot be steam cleaned. Do not use Lysol products directly on your skin as this can cause severe irritation or skin injury.
Yes, bleach is quite effective at killing scabies. It is important that you dilute the bleach solution according to the package directions. You should also be careful about using bleach on surfaces that can be damaged by it. Avoid making direct contact with the bleach on your skin while using it and wear gloves to prevent irritation or chemical burns. If you're sensitive to the smell, you can also wear a mask to protect your sinuses.
Maybe. Rubbing alcohol is sometimes recommended to kill mites on hard surfaces. However, there is some debate as to whether or not it works when used directly on the skin. It's best to reach out to your doctor for proper treatment.
Yes. Aloe vera has been shown to be as effective as benzyl benzoate (a common topical scabies treatment) when it comes to treating scabies. It also helps with irritation and itching caused by the mites due to its naturally soothing properties. Check with your doctor to see if aloe vera would be a good alternative or supplemental treatment method for you. Aloe vera is not recommended for treating furniture.
Probably not. White vinegar solution is great for gently cleaning furniture but it likely does not kill scabies. There are some anecdotal claims that apple cider vinegar can help treat scabies on the skin. Unfortunately, so far, there has been no concrete evidence to back up those claims. Most experts believe it is best to stick to one of the more proven methods for treating scabies instead.
No, it does not. Regular soap may help wash away some mites from hard surfaces but it is not effective at killing scabies. Soaps infused with 6-10% sulfur can sometimes be helpful for treating the skin, but they should be used only with a doctor's supervision. It is not recommended to use sulfur soap on furniture or surfaces as it can stain or leave behind a strong odor.
You should keep the room shut for at least 72 hours or use a zippered mattress cover for several weeks. If the infected person had crusted scabies, it is also recommended that you vacuum the furniture and carpets as well. If you'd like to be extra careful, you can also wash your bedding with hot water and dry on high heat.
If you have been recently diagnosed with scabies, chances are your bed has them too. If you didn't use your bed for 7+ days before you started treatment, it probably doesn't have scabies in it. If no one has been in your bed in the past 72 hours, it probably doesn't have scabies in it.
Signs that your scabies infection has been eliminated include the disappearance of any rashes, skin blisters, scores or scales as well as the tiny burrows the mites create in your skin. You will also no longer feel itchy. 72 hours after your infection is gone, you can resume using your furniture and bedding.
Drug reactions, allergic reactions, and skin rashes are commonly mistaken for scabies. Exposure to household mites can also cause scabies symptoms to persist after a scabies infection is gone. This is due to cross-reactivity between mite antigens.
No scabies do not technically hide in mattresses. They cannot live away from their food source (human skin) for more than a few days. However, scabies can temporarily reside in mattresses if the person sleeping on the mattress has a scabies infestation or if there is a supply of skin (aka dust) that the mites can consume.
Now that we've told you how long scabies can live on a mattress, you will be able to focus more on taking care of yourself. If you have been diagnosed with scabies, speak to your doctor about treatment options. The methods discussed in this article can help keep your furniture clean to prevent reinfection. It is also great to keep these tips in mind to help prevent scabies from getting on your mattress. Summarize message and closing.
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.