Does Head Lice Have Wings?

Lice do not have wings and they do not ‘fly’. These creatures live for only a few days and lay up to 200 eggs during their lifetime. The eggs are ‘nits’, which are similar to small caterpillar cocoons. They are laid close to the scalp, usually in a crop or on the head.

Adult lice live on human scalps and feed on the blood of human hosts several times a day. This means that head lice need a continuous source of food in order to survive. The life cycle of a lice is unique, only occurring on human scalps. After the egg hatches, it goes through a first molt, and then goes through a second molt. Once this happens, the lice grow.

Lice do not have wings and cannot fly, but they can move from person to person. These pests are spread by direct head-to-head contact and through clothing and other personal items that people share. You should never share clothing or bedding with someone who has head lice, as this can spread the infection.

In addition to avoiding head-to-head contact with a person who has lice, you should also keep clothing and bedding clean. Always wash and dry clothing and bedding in hot water to kill lice and eggs. If possible, put these items in plastic bags and put them in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes.