Can Head Lice Nymphs Crawl to the Scalp?

Unlike the adult lice that can jump or fly, head lice crawl to the scalp. They are most commonly spread via direct head-to-head contact with infested individuals. However, some head lice can also be spread through shared clothing or objects. Fortunately, head lice do not spread through household pets.

Head lice can appear in three stages: eggs, nits, and nymphs. The eggs are small, white, and attached to the hair shaft. Typically, the eggs hatch 7 to 10 days after being laid. The nymphs are not able to move or climb, but they can remain attached to the hair shaft for several days after hatching.

Adult head lice are approximately 0.1 to 0.06 inches long and have six legs. They are grayish-white or tan with claws. They feed on human blood and can live up to 30 days on the head of the host. Once the host is removed, adult lice will die within one to two days.

Head lice nymphs are difficult to detect because they are translucent. It takes a nail or tweezers to remove them. The nymphs feed every few hours and will remain attached to the hair for about a week. Eventually, they will hatch and mature into adult head lice.