Female adult mites burrow tunnels in the skin in which they lay 2-3 eggs per time. These eggs hatch after 3-5 days into larvae which then burrow into side tunnels or travel to the skin surface and make new tunnels. The larvae molt to form nymphs which then develop to adults. The whole cycle takes around 14 days. female s will continue to lay eggs for 2 months. All stages of sarcoptes are susceptible to drying and will only survive for a few days of the animal. Spread to other animals is via directed contact.

Microscopic examination of skin scrapings is used for diagnosis of sarcoptes.

Weekly insecticidal rinses containing malathion or amitraz are used to treat sarcoptic mange. More recently Ivermectin given orally or by injection has been used as an additional treatment.