The Life Cycle of Head Lice

The best way to prevent head lice infestation is to practice good hygiene. This will prevent the lice from being able to live on your hair and clothing. It is also helpful to avoid sharing personal items with others. Head lice are transmitted through close contact. They are not able to jump or fly, but they can easily spread from person to person. Pets are not carriers of head lice. Children and adults of all ages, genders, and races can catch this pest.

There are two basic stages in the life cycle of head lice. The first stage occurs when adult lice mate. After mating, the female louse glues her eggs to the scalp. The eggs hatch two days later, and the immature lice feed on human blood. They will then begin to reproduce in a week to ten days.

Adult lice live about 30 days on the head of an infected person. The life cycle of head lice is different for each type of lice. During the first two days after mating, the female will lay an egg. The eggs will hatch after about six to nine days. They will then develop into mature adults.

Lice eggs are very small and may blend in with hair color. They may also be mistaken for dandruff or hair spray droplets. When the eggs hatch, the empty nits remain attached to the hair shaft. The life cycle of head lice consists of three stages, which take about seven to 12 days. Lice eggs are usually located within four to six millimeters of the scalp. They are oval in shape and are brown or tan in color.