How did I get head lice?
In most cases, head lice are spread by head-to-head contact.
Less than 5% of cases are caused by lice present on objects like brushes, hats, and furniture.
*Use caution when taking selfies with friends!
Should I tell my friends that I have head lice?
Head lice are highly contagious and can affect anyone with whom you've had head-to-head contact. You shouldn't feel embarrassed or ashamed, as lice actually prefer clean hair. The sooner your friends are notified, the more likely the lice will be discovered during the earlier stage of infestation, therefore, easier to eradicate.
Can head lice jump or fly?
No! Head lice do not have hind legs or wings and are not able to jump or fly.
How soon can head lice start laying eggs?
Head lice like to travel in groups consisting of 7 or 8 females and 1 male. If the females are already fertilized, they can start laying eggs immediately.
How many eggs can a louse lay in 1 day?
10–20 a day. Keep in mind, if there is 1 fertilized female, there are likely more. This could easily mean 70 plus new nits per day
What is the life cycle?
A nit will hatch in 7–10 days. Baby lice are called nymphs and develop into a mature louse in about two weeks, when they will start reproducing. A louse will live approximately 30–40 days.
Can I treat lice with an over-the-counter pesticide or special lice shampoo?
Yes, you can try, but over time, lice have become resistant to these products, and they are only 60–70% effective. Remember, it only takes one female and a male to keep the cycle going. The only way to rid your head of lice is to manually remove all nits and lice by regularly combing with a specially designed nit comb.
Do I need to deep clean my entire home?
Lice want to stay near their food source, which is your head. They cannot survive for more than 24 hours off your head, so the chances of finding viable lice on furniture, carpet, and toys are highly unlikely. They need blood and warmth to survive. A nit will die once separated from the head. Washing items like your bedding or anything that you are in daily contact with is recommended.
What can I do to prevent head lice?
Nothing is 100% effective, as we all have blood in our bodies.
Educate yourself!
Comb your hair weekly with a high-quality lice comb and do regular head checks.
Will I itch with head lice?
Not always. Many of the people that we have treated have said they weren't itchy at all. Everyone is different.
Are head lice more common in the winter?
Head lice are prevalent all year, so as long as people have head-to-head contact, the head lice will thrive.