Lice Facts & Information

What You Can Do

Getting rid of head lice can be done at home with the use of a nit comb. Body lice can be addressed by thorough body washing. All clothing and bed linens should be washed in hot cycles.

For help with or more info on related pest infestations, give Orkin a call.

Kinds of Lice

Lice are parasites that prey on mammalian and avian orders. There are several species, with only some that rely on human hosts. There are three kinds of lice that infest people:

• Body: Actually lives in seams of the host’s underclothing and leave the clothing only to feed on the host’s blood, do not remain directly on the host’s body, continuously.

• Crab: Primarily infest the pubic hair region of the body

• Head: Primarily are found in the portion of the body where hair occurs on the head

Head Lice

Head lice are the most common of human infestations and do not indicate a lack of cleanliness. These pests can be present in short or long hair, though they do require some hair. They are often found in the following areas:

• Base of necks

• Behind ears

• Near hairlines

How to Treat Head Lice

Head lice are a medical problem. Controlling these small creatures requires the diligent use of the shampoo material and the small comb that comes with most control ”kits.” Follow the directions for the length of time the shampoo must remain on the hair and use the comb to remove the eggs from the base of the hair (use it close to the scalp).

The comb is one of the effective control methods, so don’t skip using it. The comb is there to help in removing the eggs (nits). The directions on most products indicate that the shampooing will have to be done twice (within about 10 days), and in between the shampooing, the comb should be used.

Check back with the pharmacist for additional information. Members of the family may be advised to avoid sharing towels, hats, combs and brushes, pillows, and similar items. You may also be encouraged to wash bedding in hot water. The pharmacist may refer you to a doctor if the problem persists.

Body Lice

These pests resemble head lice, though they make their homes in clothing rather than on the scalp. They are not as common, since people usually do not wear the same clothing continuously for days at a time or without washing it. In the United States, actual infestation with body parasites tends to occur only in homeless, transient persons who do not have access to regular bathing and changes of clean clothes.

Bird Lice

Bird lice do not harm humans, but bird handlers may occasionally be bitten.

Can dogs get lice?

Yes, dogs can get lice, and the most common types that affect dogs are known as "canine lice" or "dog lice". The lice that usually infest humans like body, crab, or head do not necessarily infest dogs.

Chewing lice (Mallophaga) and sucking lice (Anoplura) are the most common canine lice. The differences between chewing and sucking lice are, chewing lice will usually feed on skin debris and hair, and sucking lice usually feed on blood of the host.

Dogs will usually get fleas or tick infestations, but lice can occur. Signs that your dog may have lice include itching, scratching, and tiny eggs or adult lice in the dog's fur.

Lice Reproduction & Life Cycle

Reproduction and development vary depending on their species. Head lice eggs, known as nits, thus the term “nit-picking,” are attached to a host’s hair with specialized saliva. Females produce 50 to 100 round, white eggs which they secure to a person’s scalp. Body lice lay up to 200 eggs which they usually deposit in a person’s clothing. Lice develop in three stages – the eggs, the nymphs, which look like miniature adults and the mature, fully grown adult stage.

More Lice Facts

Bird Lice

Bird lice are small, parasitic insects that infest birds, feeding on their feathers and skin, and can occasionally spread to humans and other animals.

Can You See Lice?

Lice are small and can be difficult to see without close inspection, However, adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and can be visible on the scalp or body.

Can You Get Rid Of Lice?

Effective methods to get rid of lice include using medicated treatments, such as shampoos or lotions, combined with thorough combing to remove nits and lice from the hair.

How Long Can Lice Live?

Lice can live for up to 30 days on a human host and only a few days off the host, while nits (lice eggs) can remain viable for up to 10 days before hatching.

Human Head Lice

Human head lice are small, parasitic insects that infest the scalp, feed on blood, and cause itching, often spreading through close personal contact or sharing personal items.

Lice Bites

Lice bites cause itching and irritation as the lice feed on blood; bites may appear as small, red bumps on the scalp or body and can lead to secondary infections if scratched.