How Long Do Head Lice Live?

Many people have the question “how long do head lice live?” The truth is that head lice can live from three to four weeks if you’re not treated. It is important to understand how head lice live so that you can treat the infestation effectively. Knowing how long lice live can also help you decide what treatment to use.

Lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They have six legs and claws. The nymphs are about a millimeter long and are white or yellowish. They molt three times before they become a fully grown adult louse. Adult head lice can live for 30 days on your head. They feed several times a day to survive. After molting, adult head lice will die.

Although head lice rarely live off of their hosts, they may sometimes be found on bed linens. The best way to get rid of these head lice is to wash them thoroughly, on the highest heat setting. It is important to make sure you wash all infected bed linens as soon as possible.

Head lice will lay eggs in hair and attach them to the scalp. After about seven days, the eggs hatch. The adult head louse will lay up to 10 eggs a day. Once the eggs hatch, the newly hatched nymphs will grow to adulthood within 12-14 days. If the infestation is left untreated, this cycle can repeat every three weeks. Head lice are most common in preschool and elementary school-aged children, but they can affect anyone.

Continue reading:

How Does Head Lice Appear? Does Head Lice Treatment Work on Fleas? How Many Head Lice Are in the World? Head Lice – What Are They and How Do They Get Infected? What is the Best Head Lice Treatment? Which Doctor to Consult For Head Lice Why Do Head Lice Pop? How to Prevent Head Lice Infestation