How to Identify Head & Body Lice
Head Lice
- Appearance: Head lice are tiny, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed. They are grayish-white or tan and can be difficult to spot in the hair.
- Location: Head lice are primarily found on the scalp, particularly behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head.
- Symptoms: Itching is the most common symptom due to an allergic reaction to lice bites. Other signs include a tickling feeling in the hair, sores on the scalp from scratching, and visible lice or nits (lice eggs) on hair shafts.
Body Lice
- Appearance: Body lice look similar to head lice but are slightly larger. They are also wingless and grayish-white.
- Location: Unlike head lice, body lice live in clothing and bedding, moving to the skin to feed. They are commonly found in the seams of clothing and fabric.
- Symptoms: Intense itching and rashes are common, especially around the waist, groin, and armpits. Red bumps on the skin from bites and visible lice or eggs in clothing seams are also indicators.
Biology of Head & Body Lice
Head Lice
- Life Cycle: Head lice have three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Nits are glued to the base of hair shafts and hatch in about 7-10 days. Nymphs mature into adults in another 7-10 days. Adult lice can live up to 30 days on a host and lay 5-10 eggs per day.
- Feeding: Head lice feed on human blood several times a day. They cannot survive more than 1-2 days off the host.
Body Lice
- Life Cycle: The life cycle of body lice is similar to head lice, with eggs hatching in 5-7 days and nymphs maturing in about 7-14 days. Adult body lice live about 30 days and lay around 10 eggs per day.
- Feeding: Body lice also feed on human blood but can survive away from a host for up to a week. They lay their eggs in clothing, making it easier for them to spread through contaminated fabrics.
How to Treat Head & Body Lice
Head Lice Treatment
- Over-the-Counter Treatments:
- Permethrin Lotion (1%): An effective treatment for killing live lice but not nits. A second treatment is usually recommended 7-10 days later.
- Pyrethrin-Based Products: These are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and are safe and effective for killing lice.
- Prescription Treatments:
- Spinosad (0.9%): Kills both lice and nits and does not require combing.
- Ivermectin Lotion (0.5%): Effective against lice and nits and does not require combing.
- Home Remedies:
- Wet Combing: Regularly combing wet hair with a fine-toothed comb can help remove lice and nits.
- Essential Oils: Some studies suggest tea tree oil and lavender oil may help, but they are not as reliable as medicated treatments.
- Cleaning and Hygiene:
- Washing Items: Wash all clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum furniture and floors to remove any stray lice or hairs with attached nits.
Body Lice Treatment
- Personal Hygiene:
- Regular Washing: Bathe regularly and change into clean clothes daily.
- Laundering Clothes: Wash infested clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (at least 130°F) and dry on high heat. Non-washable items can be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Over-the-Counter and Prescription Treatments:
- Lindane Shampoo: Can be used on the body but is typically a second-line treatment due to potential side effects.
- Permethrin Cream: Applied to the body to eliminate lice.
- Environmental Cleaning:
- Heat Treatment: Use heat to treat clothing and bedding.
- Vacuuming: Thoroughly vacuum living areas and furniture.
Best Products to Treat Head & Body Lice
- Nix Ultra 2-in-1 Lice Treatment:
- Effective for killing lice and nits without the need for multiple applications.
- RID Lice Treatment Complete Kit:
- Contains shampoo, comb, and spray for a comprehensive approach.
- Licefreee Spray:
- A non-toxic option that uses salt to kill lice.
- LiceMD:
- Silicone-based lotion that helps detangle hair while killing lice.
- Sklice (Prescription):
- A single-use treatment that effectively kills lice and nits.
How D & D Pest Control Co. Can Help
At D & D Pest Control Co., we understand the distress and discomfort that lice infestations can cause. Our professional services are designed to provide effective and thorough lice treatment solutions to ensure your home and family are lice-free.
Our Services Include:
- Professional Inspection:
- Our trained technicians will conduct a detailed inspection to identify the extent of the infestation and locate the affected areas.
- Customized Treatment Plans:
- We develop tailored treatment plans that include the most effective products and methods to eradicate head and body lice.
- Safe and Effective Products:
- We use safe, EPA-approved treatments that are effective against lice and their eggs, ensuring a complete elimination.
- Follow-Up Services:
- We offer follow-up inspections and treatments to ensure that the lice are completely eradicated and to prevent re-infestation.
- Educational Support:
- Our team provides education and advice on preventive measures to help you avoid future lice infestations.
- Discreet and Confidential Service:
- We understand the sensitive nature of lice infestations and offer discreet services to maintain your privacy.
For comprehensive lice treatment services, trust D & D Pest Control Co. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with a lice-free environment and peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward eliminating lice from your life.
D & D Pest Control Co.
serves Eastern North Carolina with professional pest control solutions.
Contact Us: Phone: (252) 523-8255
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ddpestcontrol.com
