How Long Do Head Lice Eggs Live?
WouterThe answer to the question of how long do head lice eggs live depends on the conditions that they are in. If conditions are not ideal, head lice eggs can only survive for one or two days. They are not able to hatch after that point. Generally, the eggs of head lice die within a week.
Head lice eggs are in the hair of the host for about 24 hours. When they are not attached to a host, they will fall off the host’s head and infest sheets and pillows. In addition, lice will live for one to two days on a pillow. In these two days, they lay their eggs.
Lice that live on humans cannot survive more than 24 hours without human blood. The female louse will lay several eggs in a day, and it takes seven to ten days for each one to hatch. The eggs are attached to the hair shaft, about a quarter-inch from the scalp. When the eggs hatch, the nymphs will be attached to the hair strand for the next seven to ten days.
If you find that the infestation is severe, the first step to preventing reinfestation is to make sure that items contaminated by the infected person are kept sealed. If possible, seal these items for at least two weeks. This will kill the nits and lice while preventing the reinfestation. It is important not to share hats, towels, combs, or coats with the infected person. Also, you should keep your car seats, bus seats, and other items clean at all times. It is also important to keep in mind that it is not necessary to use insecticides or fumigation to kill the head lice. Insecticides or fumigation will not do the trick, but a thorough vacuuming will kill any nits.
