top of page
disinfectant

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Sterifab: EPA-Registered and Ready to Use

Sterifab™ is the only EPA Registered Virucide, Disinfectant and Insecticide

Writer's pictureJessica Kaplan

How to Stop the Itching! Let's Talk Mites and Scabies, Lice, and Bed Bugs


illustration of a man scratching his body all over

Few things in life are as maddening as a persistent itch. If you're caught in the relentless cycle of scratching and wondering what’s causing it, you're not alone. Scabies, lice, and bed bugs are three notorious culprits, each bringing their own brand of torment. Let’s dive into how you can identify and get rid of these pests, and how Sterifab spray may well be your best ally in the fight.



Scabies vs. Bed Bug Bites: What’s What

It’s crucial to differentiate between scabies and bed bugs, as the reaction to the different bites helps identify the culprit. Let’s break down the tell-tale signs of each.


Scabies is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow into your skin. This leads to intense itching, especially at night, and a rash that often appears as tiny red bumps or blisters. The itch from scabies can drive you to the edge of sanity, but since the mites are invisible to the naked eye, diagnosing it can be tricky.


Bed bugs, on the other hand, are visible and leave behind more obvious signs. These tiny, reddish-brown insects hide in the seams of mattresses, bed frames, and even furniture and walls. Their bites usually result in red welts that often appear in a line or cluster, primarily on skin exposed while sleeping. Bed bugs are experts at hiding, so finding their tiny hiding spots is crucial to eradicating them.


For a more detailed comparison, check out Bed Bugs vs. Scabies: 5 Simple Ways to Tell Them Apart.


But what about lice?

Though different from mites and bed bugs, lice infestations are just as frustrating. Lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp, feeding on blood. They spread easily through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items like hats, combs, or pillows. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the bites, leading to scratching and discomfort.

So, now that we know what we’re dealing with, it’s time to outsmart these bothersome pests.


How to Get Rid of Mites and Scabies

Eliminating mites and scabies involves a comprehensive approach:

  1. Prescription Creams: Visit a doctor to get a prescription for a scabicide, like permethrin cream. 

  2. Cleaning: All clothing, bedding, and towels should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat. Items that can’t be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for at least a week.

  3. Sterifab: Use Sterifab spray to treat non-washable items, such as upholstered furniture, carpets and mattresses. For more detailed steps, check out our blog: How to Get Rid of Scabies.


How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notoriously resilient, but with determination and the right tools, you can eliminate them:

  1. Identify Infestations: Look for small, reddish-brown stains on your sheets, bed bug skins, and a musty odor. Their bites often form a pattern on your skin.

  2. Declutter and Clean: Vacuum thoroughly, focusing on cracks and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.

  3. Bed Bug Spray: Use Sterifab to treat infested areas. Sterifab not only kills all life stages of bed bugs on contact but also disinfects surfaces. Also consider using a residual product in conjunction with Sterifab.

  4. Heat Treatment: Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat.

  5. Professional Help: If the infestation is severe, consider professional pest control. For more tips, visit How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs.

For surprising places bed bugs might hide, check out Unlikely Places Bed Bugs Could Be Hiding.


How to Get Rid of Lice

Here’s everything you need to know to get rid of lice and prevent their return:

  1. Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture to remove any lice or eggs that may have fallen off.

  2. Wash Bedding and Clothing: Use hot water to wash all bedding, clothing, and towels that the infested person has used. Dry them on high heat to ensure all lice and nits are killed.

  3. Seal Non-Washable Items: Place items like stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets that can’t be washed into a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks to starve the lice.

  4. Sterifab: Use Sterifab on upholstered furniture, mattresses, and other non-washable items. Sterifab effectively kills lice and louse eggs and disinfects surfaces, providing a thorough cleanup. For more information, check out this blog on getting rid of lice on furniture.


Why Sterifab is Your Best Friend

Sterifab is a versatile, effective solution for mites and scabies, lice, and bed bugs. Here’s why:

  • Kills on Contact: With just a few sprays, Sterifab kills bed bugs, lice, mites, and more, providing quick relief from these pests.

  • Disinfects: Sterifab disinfects surfaces, reducing the risk of reinfestation and eradicates pathogenic odors.

  • Easy to Use: The spray is easy to apply to various surfaces, including mattresses, furniture, and carpets. It won't stain, and is fast drying. 


Sterifab is an EPA-registered virucide, disinfectant and insecticide in one product. It is your go-to solution for battling an array of pests, including fleas, ticks, mites, listed viruses, mold and more. 


Mites, lice, and bed bugs might be pesky party crashers, but you're ready to show them the door. With some know-how and a bottle of Sterifab, you can banish those bugs and get back to relaxing. So, if the itch strikes, grab your Sterifab and reclaim your peace. Happy exterminating!



Sterifab product bottles

619 views

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page