Is Head Lice More Common in Summer?

The summer season is a prime time for head lice outbreaks. The long months of summer are ideal for nits to thrive, and this is also when kids spend lots of time playing with their friends and cousins. These activities can spread head lice to others, and in this season, you’ll be more likely to see your child with head lice than any other time of the year.

Summertime brings the excitement of sleepovers and play dates with friends. But be sure to check your child’s hair, especially after a summer play date. Make sure they wear their hair up, and avoid sharing hats and hair accessories. It is also important to do a thorough lice check after a sleepover.

One of the most important steps you can take to prevent a lice outbreak is to keep your child’s towels clean. Whether your child goes swimming or goes to the beach, he or she should never share a towel. Infections can stay alive for up to eight hours on a shared towel.

While lice can be found throughout the year, the warmer weather is particularly good for them. This is because they prefer warm, humid environments. The warmer weather also allows children to play more together, and that’s the perfect environment for spreading the parasite. The warm weather also helps nits lay more eggs, allowing them to reproduce more easily.