Where Do Head Lice Hide?

Head lice are very small and hard to see. They live on the scalp and hair and feed on human blood. Usually, you’ll find them near the scalp and behind the ears, but they can also live on your eyelashes and eyebrows. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to take care of the infestation quickly.

Adult lice live for several weeks on a person’s head, but they rarely live more than 48 hours once removed. Lice do not fly or hop, but they do have long legs, which are best for crawling and grasping hair. When an infestation is detected, you will probably notice tiny white or cream-colored oval shaped eggs, which are attached to hair. You may notice these nits even before you see adult lice.

Adult head lice hide well and are not visible unless they are actively moving. To identify a head lice infestation, you must move your fine-toothed comb through the hair and look for nits. These nits are attached to the scalp and do not easily fall off like dandruff. If you find nits that are attached more than 1/4 inch from the base of the hair shaft, they are almost dead. You can also use a special comb to look for these nits.

Once you have determined that your child has head lice, you should wash and dry all bed linens. The best treatment for an infestation is to get medical advice, since head lice can live off their human host for 24 hours. You should also wash and dry all bedding and clothing used within 48 hours before treatment. You should also vacuum furniture, carpets, and car seats. If the infested items cannot be cleaned, they should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least two weeks. You should not spray your home or belongings with insecticides.