How Do Head Lice Walk?

Head lice are tiny bugs that live in the hair of people. They are greyish white or tan in colour and are about the size of a sesame seed. They have small oval nits that they attach to hair close to the scalp. It can take them up to three months to sensitise a human to their presence. This is one of the many reasons why it is crucial to check your child’s head for lice on a regular basis.

Head lice are spread through direct contact with clothing, hair, and other objects. They cannot fly like fleas and can only move by crawling on human hair. They lay eggs in suitable places and feed on blood several times a day. Infected children’s toys can be a breeding ground for head lice. Adults can also contract the parasite by spending time with a person with infected hair.

Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter treatments for head lice. These treatments work to kill the lice by blocking their breathing holes. But the problem is that they are not effective in all cases. Many lice populations have developed resistance to the insecticides found in over-the-counter lice treatments. This is because some populations of head lice have become resistant to these products.

The most common way for head lice to spread is head-to-head contact. But it can also be spread through shared personal items, such as bedding and towels. However, the risk of contracting lice through sharing personal items is very small. However, if a person has a head lice infestation, it is important to treat all household members.