Notes on Control of Mange Mites in Laboratory White Mice with Malathion1

Abstract

A USAREUR Medical Laboratory colony of white mice, which was experiencing high mortality from a severe mange condition during early 1958, was found to be infested with the 2 mite species Myocoptes musculinus and Myobia musculi. Tests revealed that the mice tolerated dosages of malathion up to 6% of actual malathion mixed into their bedding (wood shavings). Even the new-born mice were not harmed at this dosage. Dosages as low as 1/3% actual malathion used in the bedding continuously over a period of several weeks controlled both species of mites after 1 week and the mange condition cleared up completely within a few weeks. This latter dosage applied regularly in the bedding has been arrived at as a practical means of control of mites and probably of other arthropod infestations of white mice at the USAREUR Medical Laboratory, Landstuhl, Germany.