Welcome to the Pest Library! This is an ongoing series on our website used to help educate homeowners to the best of our ability. While we hope you find the pest library useful, it is important to call experts to help remove pests. A pest control expert can positively identify particular creatures and establish a safe and effective means of removal.

Does just hearing the words “head lice” make your scalp itch? These nasty little bug having causing mayhem for people all over the world for centuries. After all, how many times have children been known to have lice break out in their school.  Today we’ll be looking at what causes lice and how to prevent them.

Head lice is just one of many pests that can infest a home or business.  If you need pest control services, Total Pest Solutions can help you break free.

Let’s look at the common questions people ask about head lice.

What Are Head Lice?

There are several different kinds of lice. We are focusing only on head lice or Pediculus humanus capitis. In other words, there is only one type of lice that targets humans. A head louse is a parasite that exclusively lives on the scalp of a human. This type of lice feed on the blood of the human scalp. These parasites are tiny, brownish-translucent bugs that attach themselves to your hair strands.

Lice multiply quickly, laying eggs at the base of hair strands. Eggs are called ‘nits’. They hatch in about two weeks as ‘nymphs’. Nymphs are the larvae state and they mature in about two weeks. This life cycle repeats itself until the infestation is cleared.

Where Do Head Lice Live?

Typically, head lice live exclusively on human heads. However, they can live a couple days on other surfaces such as carpet or fabrics. For this reason, a recurrence of lice may happen after a hair treatment. Because they can’t jump or fly, they must be carried by something or someone in order for them to find a host. 

How Are Head Lice Spread?

Lice are usually spread by smaller children. Firstly, one child picks up a couple of these nasty little bugs. Then, he passes it to the next child when they play or roll on the carpet. As a result, this constant proximity is a reason why elementary schools are seemingly the only places you find head lice. However, anyone can get lice, despite their age, hair type or hygiene. 

What Is Head Lice Removal?

Removal methods are a dime a dozen. From the infamous condiment strategies to the store bought shampoos, everyone has a way of getting rid of head lice. However, the strategy should still contain a process for removing adult lice. Also, the nits have to be removed, often by hand. Special combs can catch the adults and nits. Above all, the combs must be used correctly to actually work. To use these combs correctly, section the hair and take your time combing from the scalp to the ends. Be prepared to clean off the comb with each pass.

How Do You Prevent Head Lice?

Firstly, prevention starts with regular past control. Even then, lice may still occur. We wish we could say that clean hair means your child won’t become a victim. The truth is hygiene doesn’t have much to do with protection from or attraction of head lice.

Encourage your school or daycare to stay up to date with regular pest control services. Total Pest Solutions services inside and outside of the home or business. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

continue reading

Related Posts