Can Head Lice Breathe Underwater?

Head lice are able to survive in water for long periods of time. In fact, they can hold their breath for eight hours. When immersed in water, lice go into a hibernation mode and appear immobile. This mode of behavior helps the lice conserve energy by closing their breathing holes. While they may appear to be dead, they can resurrect in about an hour at full strength. Therefore, it’s important to avoid direct contact with the lice when they are submerged in water.

The current strain of head lice is immune to many over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications. Even home remedies containing chemicals or harsh chemicals are ineffective in killing head lice. Fortunately, a simple treatment that can kill lice and prevent them from reoccurring is available. Swimming and bathing can be effective methods for killing the lice, but they can stay in water for up to four hours.

However, head lice are not able to float off the human scalp. Their claw-like feet are designed to attach themselves to the human scalp. This makes them incapable of floating away. The larvae are unable to drown because their shells are so hard and sticky. The shells protect the larvae from water and other chemicals.

Another myth about head lice is that if you soak them in water, they can survive and even hatch. While the eggs may remain unharmed, lice are unable to hold their breath underwater. If they were to survive in water, the eggs would be attached to the hair. However, there is one exception to this myth: Lice eggs can survive for up to eight hours if they are not killed by chlorine. Similarly, lice can be transferred to other people by sharing personal items, such as bathing equipment.