How Did Head Lice Start?
WouterThe origins of head lice are unknown, but they’re thought to be thousands of years old. Scientists have even found nits on Egyptian mummies. This suggests that the head lice started as a variation of body lice, and evolved over the course of a few thousand years. While the exact beginnings of the lice are still unknown, some speculate that they may have originated in humans.
Scientists have found DNA in the mitochondria of head lice cells that link the creatures to ancient human populations. This evidence suggests that the lice’ ancestors came from a common ancestor 800,000-1 million years ago. These insects’ DNA is also quite pure, so it could give us important information on human evolution.
In order to effectively treat head lice, the first step is to kill all the lice that are present on a person’s head. You can try to kill these lice by washing all clothing and bedding in hot water and drying it on high heat. Then, you should store it in a plastic bag for at least 2 weeks. In addition to washing the clothing, you should also check for head lice in other household members.
Another way in which head lice can spread is through physical contact. Because head lice cannot fly, they spread when strands of hair come into contact with other individuals. Often, head lice will latch onto clothing and other objects, making it easier for them to spread from one person to another.
