How Long Head Lice Can Live
WouterIf you’ve ever wondered how long head lice can live, you’re not alone. Infestations of lice can quickly get out of hand. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent infestations from spreading to others. The first step is to prevent your hair from coming into contact with other people. Head lice cannot survive without the host, so it’s important to prevent them as much as possible.
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live inside human hair. Their life cycle is about 35 days long. Eggs are laid by female lice on the scalp and grow into nymphs, which are small insects that feed on human blood. Adult lice will live on a human’s scalp for about 3 to 4 weeks. Their lifespan depends on the temperature of their host, so it’s important to protect your hair from bright sunlight.
Adult head lice are grayish-white, and about the size of a sesame seed. They start reproduction immediately after mating and lay eggs about two days later. Lice die after 35 days. They are transmitted from person to person by direct contact with hair. However, poor hygiene is not the cause of head lice. Instead, you can practice proper hygiene and protect yourself from future infestations. If you notice any signs of lice, you should immediately visit your doctor.
Once you have treated your child’s head, it’s important to wash bedding and other items that were in close contact with the scalp. This will kill any surviving lice and nits.
