How Are Head Lice Created?

One of the most common questions about head lice is, “How are they spread?” While there is no universally agreed upon answer, one common factor is that head lice can be spread from person to person through contact with the head of another person. While it is rare for lice to spread through shared clothing or belongings, it is possible to come into contact with an infested person’s head via shed hair. Fortunately, there are a number of preventable ways to prevent the spread of head lice.

The first step in preventing lice is to keep your hair clean. Lice will not lay their eggs on your clothes or bedding; instead, they will latch onto your hair or clothing. It is important to wash your hair regularly because lice cannot survive without nourishment. Lice will lay their eggs on your head in warm conditions. If you find a head louse egg on your hair, don’t touch it until you are sure it has fallen off. These eggs will lay baby bugs, but they will die soon after hatching.

Finding head lice can be difficult, so it is important to use disposable gloves and look under a bright light. The best light source is the full sun or the brightest lights in your home. Using a magnifying glass is also helpful. Part your hair all the way down to the scalp and examine the scalp for any moving lice. If you find nits, you may also find their eggs.