How Long Do Head Lice Live on Clothes?

In most cases, the infested person will not experience symptoms, and the infection may disappear after a week or two. Infections usually begin in pre-schoolers, but anyone can become infected with head lice. They are small, parasitic creatures that feed on the blood of their host. Unlike other types of parasites, lice are not contagious and they can be removed from clothing easily.

The best way to prevent lice is to wash your clothes and bedding in hot water, and to dry them in the clothes dryer. Generally, clothes can be soaked in hot water for about five minutes before being dried in a clothes dryer. You can also dry-clean non-washable articles of clothing, such as stuffed toys. However, you should avoid this if possible, as you need to isolate these items from other people for at least two days.

While lice cannot survive without a human host, they can live on clothes and pillowcases for up to thirteen days. If the host is not present, however, the louse will die within two days, although it can lay eggs even without a human host. Nevertheless, it is important to note that head lice can live on pillowcases for a few days.

Once an infected person has become aware of the infestation, the next step is to check all possible areas that the infested person may have touched. This may include hats, backpacks, and car seats.