What environmental cleaning can and can't do
Scabies is caused by mites that burrow into skin and spread mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Crusted (Norwegian) scabies is far more contagious, and the mites can also spread through bedding, clothing and furniture. Bed bugs are insects that hide in mattresses, furniture, baseboards and clutter. They don't transmit disease, but heavy infestations cause bites, anxiety and secondary skin infections, and often occur in squalor or hoarding conditions.
Medical treatment of people resolves scabies. For bed bugs, licensed pest management professionals carry out treatment. Environmental decontamination supports both by removing contaminated items, cleaning and preparing spaces so treatment works and reinfestation is less likely.
What we do
- Coordinate with the household, facility, healthcare providers and the licensed pest control company on timing.
- Bag and handle soft goods: bedding, clothing and linens for hot laundering, and infested mattresses and upholstery for removal and disposal where appropriate.
- Declutter and remove debris that shelters bed bugs, especially in hoarding or squalor situations.
- Vacuum and clean floors, furniture seams, baseboards and room surfaces, with sealed disposal of vacuum contents.
- Prepare rooms to the pest control provider's specifications before treatment.
- Clean and sanitize after treatment and document the work.
What we don't do
We don't apply pesticides. That requires a licensed pest control operator. We also don't diagnose or treat scabies, which requires a healthcare provider.
Facilities
Senior living, group homes and shelters dealing with crusted scabies outbreaks should follow public-health guidance and their own infection-prevention programs. We provide surge environmental cleaning support.
Common questions
Can a mattress be saved?
Sometimes, with a certified encasement and professional treatment. Heavily infested or soiled mattresses are usually replaced.
How long do scabies mites live off the body?
Typically only a few days. Laundering and isolating items for several days is part of standard guidance from health agencies.