Are Head Lice More Active at Night?

It is important to know that the head louse has three different stages during their lifecycle. The first is the nymph, which hatches from a nit. The nymph feeds on blood and will eventually mature into an adult louse. Adult head lice can live up to 30 days on a person’s head.

Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed. They have six legs and a claw at the end. These legs allow them to latch onto your hair. They are most active during the night. The best way to detect an infestation is to examine your scalp with a magnifying glass. This will allow you to detect any nits that may be smaller.

While you should notify family members about the head lice outbreak, you do not need to treat all family members unless you’re sure that every member of your household has head lice. Treatment for head lice is simple. You should change your pillowcase and wash it in hot water. You should then dry it in a hot clothes dryer.

During the day, head lice aren’t active and can cause itching and a rash at the hairline. Unlike pubic lice, head lice are most active during the night.