Can Head Lice Nits Jump?

If you think your child or a loved one may have head lice, you may be wondering: can head lice nits jump? These little bugs are actually parasites, meaning they feed on human blood. They generally stay near the scalp and behind the ears. However, they can also be found on eyelashes and eyebrows.

Head lice are spread very easily. They can’t jump or fly, so they must crawl on the hair of a host. They are usually transmitted through head-to-head contact and sharing personal items. Children with lice should not be sent home from school, but should be treated immediately. In the meantime, long hair should be kept in a ponytail, bun, or braid.

While head lice are not dangerous, they can be spread by clothing, hats, and other items. The most common form of transmission is from person to person, but they can also be spread by sharing clothes or personal items. People with poor hygiene habits are the most vulnerable to head lice. In addition to head lice, body lice can spread from person to person through contact with their body or clothing.

Head lice are about the size of a sesame seed and are grayish-white in color. However, they may appear darker in dark hair. Adult head lice live for 30 days on the head of a host. If they fall off, they will die in one or two days.