Fur mites infect a host animal of the same species. Infection with humans acting as intermediaries is unlikely. The mites can also be transported by louse flies and fleas. However, this is hardly of importance in relation to other modes of transmission.
Falling off
The fur mites have a hard time sticking to their hosts and their eggs are not glued as tightly to the hairs as nits. They fall of where the host animal is (like flea eggs). The active stages of fur mites are better at sticking to the hosts, and therefore it is mostly mites in molting stages and eggs which found in dust on floors, furniture and mattresses. Active nymphal stages and larvae cannot survive outside of their host for more than two days. Females can, under favorable circumstances, survive for up to a week. Evidence suggests that it is the molting stages which are infectious.
Between dogs
Most cases in dogs can be traced to the kennels, shelters and animal hospitals. In short, places where many dogs share the same environment. The skin of the infected dogs and their owners begin to itch shortly after returning home. It is estimated that it will take a few months before the population of mites on a recently infected dog is so numerous that it can transmit the infection to other dogs. Dogs that live together in homes can infect each other, but the infection does not take – even when animals of the same breed and age infect each other.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)