are scabies insects
1 Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. 2  Direct skin-to-skin contact is the mode of transmission.3  A severe and relentless itch is the predominant symptom of scabies.cabies facts. 1  Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei.