How Often Do Head Lice Lay Eggs?

Lice are small parasites that infest the scalp. The adult louse can lay about five to six eggs per day, and these eggs are located in the nit shells that are attached to the scalp. After the eggs hatch, they continue to feed on human blood for about nine to twelve days, growing into an adult louse. This cycle repeats about every three weeks. Lice can survive up to two days off the head, but you should not ignore nits if you suspect you have a louse infestation.

Lice are typically only visible for the first week or two after they’ve hatched, although some people may notice them earlier. In the early stages of infestation, you may not notice the itching or other symptoms. However, when an infestation reaches a moderate or severe stage, you’ll find live lice.

Lice live for approximately 30 days, and they lay up to 100 to 200 eggs per life cycle. Lice eggs are white and stay attached to the hair shaft for about two weeks before hatching into adult lice. It’s easy to spot nits when the hair begins to grow longer and the egg shell begins to move away from the scalp.

Fortunately, there are several methods for treating head lice, including topical insecticides and wet combing. Nevertheless, it’s best to consult a physician if you suspect you’ve been infested with the parasite for a long time.