Lice Facts

girls with lice

There is a lot of confusion about head lice. Don't worry, they don't jump, fly, or swim! Head lice can be bothersome, but they are not dangerous to your health. Below is some information to assist you in understanding the REAL facts of lice.

  • Head lice shampoos can be highly toxic for your child, and new strains of super lice are immune to the chemicals in over-the-counter shampoos
  • Head lice cannot live on your pets
  • Head lice cannot live and breed in your environment i.e., couches, carpets, cars, movie theaters, airplanes
  • Head lice are not signs of unwashed hair-they thrive in clean hair rather than dirty hair
  • Head lice crosses all socioeconomic boundaries
  • According to the national association of school nurses (ANSN) children miss 12-24 million days of school per year due to head lice
  • Longer hair is more susceptible in contracting head lice
  • Head lice thrive equally in warm and cold climates
  • Head lice cannot jump or fly

DO'S

  • Relax, take a deep breath, and call SoCal Lice Clinics for a quote or to make an appointment! We have options for every household size while keeping your budget in mind.
  • Inform your close family members, friends, and any extracurricular activities that you have a head lice issue to avoid reinfestation.
  • When adult lice are present, it is important to wash and dry all bedding, towels and any clothes that have been worn in the last 2 days. Hairbrushes and accessories should not be used again until they have spent at least 6 hours in the freezer (after heads are deloused).
  • Light and Easy house cleaning; Vacuum/lint roll carpets, rugs, and couches for peace of mind.

DO NOT'S

  • Replace your furnishings including your mattress
  • Wash your entire wardrobe
  • Use toxic products
  • Cut your hair or pour oil, Vaseline, mayonnaise, or vinegar on it
  • Set your house on fire
  • Panic!

WHO'S AT RISK?

  • 80% of the time the person with head lice will pass the infestation on to their siblings
  • 70% of the time mothers contract head lice from their children
  • 20% of the time fathers contract head lice from their children
  • 35% of the time nannies contract head lice

LIFE CYCLE

Lice Lifecycle

Nits (Lice Eggs)

Nits are head lice eggs. They are hard to see and are often confused for dandruff or hair spray droplets. Nits may be found at the base of the hair shaft nearest the scalp. They are 0.8 mm by 0.3 mm, oval and usually brownish in color. Nits take about 1 week to hatch (range 6 to 9 days).

Nymphs

The egg hatches to release a nymph. The nymph looks like an adult head louse but is about the size of a pinhead. Nymphs mature after three molts and become adults about 7 days after hatching.

Adults

The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, has 6 legs (each with claws, yikes!!)- and is tan to grayish-white . In persons with dark hair, the adult louse will appear darker. The females can lay up to 8 nits per day. Adult lice can live up to 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) on a person's head. To live, adult lice need to feed on blood several times daily. Without blood meals, the louse will die within 1 to 2 days off the human host.

Head Lice Pictures Nits Louse Eggs Head Lice Life Cycle

HOMECARE PROCESS

Relax, you do not need to dissect your home and clean every crevasse. Gone are the days of bagging up everything you own and hiding it away in the basement for weeks. We will walk you through a much simpler home care process. After all... WE MAKE LICE EASY!