Why do lice appear and how can you prevent them?

The Nature of Head Lice

What Are Head Lice?

Life Cycle of a Louse

Lice infestations begin when adult females deposit eggs, called nits, on hair shafts close to the scalp. Each egg is cemented with a protein that hardens within a few hours, making removal difficult. The incubation period lasts about 7–10 days, after which the nits hatch into nymphs.

Nymphs resemble adult lice but are smaller and lack fully developed reproductive organs. They undergo three molts, each lasting roughly 2–3 days. During these stages, nymphs feed on blood and increase in size. By the end of the third molt, the insect reaches adulthood and becomes capable of reproduction.

The adult phase lasts approximately 30 days. Females lay 6–10 eggs per day, sustaining the population if untreated. All stages require direct head-to-head contact or shared personal items for transmission; environmental reservoirs play a minor role because lice cannot survive longer than 48 hours off a host.

Preventive measures target each stage of the life cycle:

Regular inspection of hair and scalp to detect nits before they hatch.
Immediate removal of nits using fine-toothed combs after applying a suitable conditioner to loosen the cement.
Application of approved pediculicidal treatments that kill both adults and nymphs; repeat treatment after 7 days eliminates newly emerged lice.
Avoidance of sharing hats, brushes, headphones, and other headgear.
Washing bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing them in plastic bags for 48 hours to kill any surviving stages.

Understanding the timing and requirements of each developmental phase enables effective interruption of the cycle, thereby reducing the likelihood of a new infestation.

Types of Lice Affecting Humans

Human lice are obligate ectoparasites that survive only on a living host. Three species regularly infest people, each adapted to a specific body region and mode of transmission.

Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) – inhabits scalp hair, clings to hair shafts with clawed legs, feeds several times daily on blood. Transmission occurs through direct head‑to‑head contact or sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or pillows. Infestations thrive in crowded settings where close contact is common.
Body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) – lives in the seams of clothing and moves to the skin only to feed. It spreads when contaminated clothing is worn repeatedly without proper laundering. Outbreaks are associated with poor hygiene, homelessness, or refugee camps where laundry facilities are limited.
Pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) – also called crab louse, attaches to coarse hair of the genital area, perianal region, and occasionally chest or facial hair. Transmission is primarily sexual, but occasional spread can occur via contaminated bedding or towels. The louse prefers warm, moist environments.

A less frequent form, eyelash louse (Phthiriasis palpebrarum), infests the eyelashes and eyebrows, causing irritation and itching. Contact with infested hair or contaminated objects leads to colonization.

Understanding the ecological niches of each species clarifies why infestations arise: close physical contact, inadequate laundering, and compromised personal hygiene create conditions conducive to lice survival. Effective prevention therefore focuses on minimizing these risk factors—regular washing of clothing at high temperatures, avoiding sharing personal items, and maintaining personal cleanliness in environments where close contact is unavoidable.

How Lice Infestations Spread

Direct Head-to-Head Contact

Lice infestations arise primarily when an uninfested individual’s scalp touches the scalp of a person already carrying lice. The insects cannot jump or fly; they move only by crawling, making physical contact the most efficient transmission route. Close proximity during activities such as sports, classroom interactions, or shared sleeping arrangements increases the likelihood of head-to-head encounters, allowing adult lice to transfer and lay eggs on a new host.

Preventing lice requires interrupting this direct contact pathway. Effective measures include:

Maintaining personal space: discourage children from resting heads together during play or while napping.
Using protective headgear: helmets, hats, or scarves that create a barrier between scalps during sports or group activities.
Enforcing a no‑sharing policy: prohibit the exchange of combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats, headphones, and pillows.
Conducting regular inspections: examine hair and scalp weekly, focusing on the nape of the neck and behind the ears, to detect early infestations.
Implementing immediate treatment: apply approved topical agents to any confirmed case, then repeat treatment after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nits.

By limiting head-to-head interaction and adopting consistent hygiene practices, the spread of lice can be substantially reduced.

Indirect Contact «Less Common Routes»

Lice can be transferred without direct head‑to‑head contact through items that retain viable eggs or nymphs. Shared hats, scarves, hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories provide a surface where nymphs may cling and later migrate to a new host. Bedding, pillowcases, and upholstered furniture can harbor eggs for several days, especially in environments where infestations are untreated. Clothing stored together in confined spaces, such as laundry baskets or gym lockers, may also serve as a conduit for lice movement. Although these pathways are less frequent than direct contact, they contribute to the spread of infestations in schools, camps, and households where personal items are exchanged.

Preventive actions focus on eliminating indirect transmission sources.

Keep headwear, brushes, and accessories separate for each individual; label items when necessary.
Wash clothing, bedding, and towels at temperatures of at least 130 °F (54 °C) after exposure; dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Vacuum upholstered surfaces and mattresses regularly; discard vacuum bags or empty containers promptly.
Store personal items in sealed plastic bags or containers when not in use.
Disinfect combs and brushes by soaking in hot water (above 140 °F/60 °C) for 10 minutes, then allow to air‑dry.

Implementing these measures reduces the likelihood that lice will survive on shared objects and diminishes the risk of infestation through indirect contact.

Understanding the Causes of Lice Appearance

Common Misconceptions About Lice

Lice and Hygiene «Dispelling Myths»

Lice are tiny, wing‑less insects that survive by feeding on human blood. Their presence results from direct head‑to‑head contact, sharing combs, hats, or pillows, and from environments where infested individuals spend extended time together. Poor personal cleanliness does not create lice; the parasites simply need access to a host.

Common misconceptions often impede effective control:

Myth: Lice thrive in dirty hair.
Fact: Lice locate a scalp by temperature and carbon dioxide, not by dirt levels. Clean hair can host the same infestation as unwashed hair.
Myth: Frequent shampooing eliminates lice.
Fact: Standard shampoos lack insecticidal properties; lice remain attached to hair shafts despite regular washing.
Myth: Essential oils or vinegar cure infestations.
Fact: Laboratory studies show no reliable mortality effect; only approved pediculicides achieve consistent eradication.
Myth: Only children get lice.
Fact: Adults can contract lice through close contact or shared items, though detection rates are lower due to less frequent head examinations.

Prevention relies on evidence‑based practices:

Conduct weekly visual checks of the scalp, focusing on the nape and behind the ears.
Prohibit sharing of hats, hairbrushes, headphones, and pillowcases in schools, sports teams, and households.
Wash personal items in hot water (≥ 50 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes after exposure.
Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair after treatment to remove live insects and eggs.
Apply a licensed pediculicide according to manufacturer instructions, followed by a second application 7–10 days later to target newly hatched nymphs.

By rejecting hygiene myths and adhering to these targeted measures, individuals can interrupt the lice life cycle and minimize recurrence.

Lice and Socioeconomic Status

Lice infestations are more common in environments where limited resources restrict access to regular grooming supplies, professional hair care, and health education. Overcrowded living conditions increase direct head-to-head contact, the primary transmission route for Pediculus humanus capitis. Insufficient funding for school health programs reduces early detection and timely treatment, allowing outbreaks to spread rapidly among children.

Economic constraints often dictate the availability of effective treatments. Families with low income may rely on inexpensive, over‑the‑counter shampoos that lack proven efficacy, leading to repeated infestations. In contrast, higher‑income households can afford prescription‑grade pediculicides and routine professional inspections, decreasing prevalence.

Preventive actions that address socioeconomic barriers include:

Implementing school‑based screening programs funded by public health agencies.
Distributing free, clinically validated treatment kits to families in need.
Providing educational workshops on proper combing techniques and hygiene practices, delivered in community centers.
Encouraging policies that allow parents paid leave for treating affected children, reducing transmission in schools.

Targeted interventions that consider income level, housing density, and access to healthcare can lower infestation rates and break the cycle of recurrence.

Factors Increasing the Risk of Infestation

Age Groups Most Affected

Lice infestations concentrate in specific age brackets because transmission relies on close head‑to‑head contact and shared personal items. Data from public‑health surveys consistently identify school‑age children as the primary host population.

Children aged 3‑5 years (preschool) – highest incidence due to frequent group activities and limited personal hygiene awareness.
Children aged 6‑11 years (elementary school) – sustained exposure through classroom seating, sports, and sleepovers.
Adolescents aged 12‑17 years – lower but notable rates, especially among participants in contact sports and crowded extracurricular settings.

Infants under three years rarely acquire lice, as they spend most time with a single caregiver and have minimal peer interaction. Adults over 30 experience occasional cases, typically linked to close contact with infected children or communal living environments such as dormitories or shelters.

The vulnerability of younger groups stems from behavioral patterns: frequent physical play, shared hats, hairbrushes, and bedding, combined with developing self‑care routines. Higher density of hair follicles in children also provides ample habitat for the parasites.

Effective prevention aligns with each age group’s habits. For preschool and elementary children, routine head inspections, education on avoiding the exchange of personal items, and immediate treatment of identified cases reduce spread. Adolescents benefit from reinforced hygiene guidelines during sports and social gatherings, plus prompt reporting of symptoms. Adults should monitor household members, maintain separate personal belongings, and apply preventive measures when caring for infected children.

Environments with Higher Risk

Lice infestations occur where close, repeated head-to-head contact is common and where personal items are shared. The likelihood of an outbreak rises in settings that bring many individuals together in confined spaces.

elementary schools and preschools, where children interact frequently during play and classroom activities
daycare centers, because toddlers often exchange hats, scarves, and hair accessories
sports teams and clubs, especially those involving helmets, headgear, or uniform caps
residential facilities such as dormitories, shelters, and group homes, where occupants share sleeping quarters and laundry facilities
family households with multiple children, particularly when siblings share bedding or clothing

Preventive actions focus on reducing contact and limiting the transfer of contaminated objects. Regular inspection of hair, especially after group activities, helps detect early signs. Encourage personal ownership of headwear and discourage sharing of combs, brushes, and hats. Implement routine cleaning of clothing, bedding, and equipment at temperatures that kill lice eggs. In institutions, establish clear policies for reporting cases and for temporary exclusion of affected individuals until treatment is complete. These steps lower the risk of infestation in high‑exposure environments.

Shared Items and Personal Belongings

Lice infestations originate from direct contact with an infested scalp or from objects that have recently touched a host. Shared items such as hairbrushes, hats, helmets, headphones, and sports equipment can harbor viable eggs (nits) and nymphs for several days. When a clean individual uses these contaminated objects, the lice are transferred to the new host, initiating a new cycle of infestation.

Personal belongings that are not regularly cleaned—pillows, blankets, towels, and clothing—also serve as reservoirs. Lice cannot survive long off a human body, but eggs remain viable for up to a week in a protected environment. Repeated exposure to such items increases the probability of an outbreak, especially in group settings like schools, camps, and gyms.

Preventive measures focus on minimizing the exchange of contaminated objects and maintaining hygiene of personal gear:

Designate personal hair accessories; avoid borrowing or lending brushes, combs, and hair ties.
Store hats, helmets, and earphones in separate, sealed containers when not in use.
Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat after a suspected case.
Disinfect shared equipment with a lice‑specific spray or an alcohol solution (≥70% isopropyl) before each use.
Implement a routine inspection of personal items for nits, especially after contact with communal environments.

By controlling the flow of shared items and ensuring rigorous cleaning of personal belongings, the risk of lice transmission is substantially reduced. Continuous vigilance and disciplined handling of these objects constitute the most effective strategy for preventing infestations.

Strategies for Lice Prevention

Proactive Measures at Home

Regular Hair Checks

Regular hair inspections are a practical method for detecting head‑lice infestations before they become widespread. Lice spread through direct head‑to‑head contact or by sharing personal items such as hats, brushes, and bedding. Early identification interrupts this transmission cycle by allowing prompt treatment of the affected individual and immediate cleaning of personal belongings.

Routine checks should be performed at least once a week, especially after activities that increase exposure risk (e.g., sleepovers, school sports). The inspection process includes:

Parting hair into small sections from the scalp outward.
Using a fine‑toothed lice comb on each section, moving from the roots to the tips.
Examining the comb after each pass for live lice or viable nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp.
Recording any findings and, if lice are present, initiating an appropriate treatment protocol and informing close contacts.

Consistent monitoring reduces the likelihood of unnoticed infestations, limits the need for extensive chemical treatments, and supports a healthier environment for children and adults alike.

Educating Family Members

Educating every household member about head‑lice transmission and control reduces the likelihood of an outbreak. Knowledge of how lice spread and how to interrupt that cycle enables swift, coordinated action.

Lice infestations originate from direct head‑to‑head contact, sharing of combs, hats, hair accessories, and occasionally from contact with contaminated furniture or bedding. Infested individuals may be unaware of early signs, allowing the insects to multiply unnoticed.

Prevention relies on routine inspection, personal item management, and environmental hygiene. Regular visual checks of the scalp and hair, especially after sleepovers or sports activities, detect nits before they hatch. Personal items should be kept separate; combs and brushes require cleaning after each use. Laundry of bedding, towels, and clothing at high temperature eliminates any surviving lice or eggs.

Practical steps for each family member:

Perform a thorough head check twice weekly; focus on the nape, ears, and crown.
Wash hair after close contact with others; use a fine‑toothed comb to remove debris.
Store hats, scarves, and hair accessories in individual containers; avoid sharing.
Launder bedding and clothing in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Disinfect combs and brushes by soaking in hot water for 10 minutes.
Report any suspicion of lice to the household promptly; initiate treatment without delay.

A unified response ensures that treatment is applied consistently, follow‑up examinations confirm eradication, and re‑infestation is minimized. Continuous reinforcement of these practices maintains a lice‑free environment for the entire family.

Laundry Practices for Prevention

Lice spread through direct contact and through items that have touched an infested host, such as clothing, bedding, and towels. When these textiles retain viable eggs or nymphs, they become vectors for re‑infestation after a person has been treated.

Effective laundry measures interrupt this cycle:

Wash all garments, sheets, pillowcases, and towels that have contacted an infested person at a minimum temperature of 130 °F (54 °C).
Use a high‑efficiency detergent; add a disinfectant approved for fabrics if available.
Dry items on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes; heat kills both lice and their eggs.
Seal items that cannot be laundered (e.g., delicate accessories) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks; lice cannot survive without a host beyond this period.
Perform the wash and dry cycle immediately after removal from the infested environment; delay increases the risk of egg hatching.
Store clean laundry in a closed container to prevent accidental re‑contamination.

Regular laundering of personal items, combined with prompt treatment of clothing after exposure, reduces the likelihood of lice reappearing in a household.

Prevention in Community Settings

School and Daycare Policies

Lice infestations spread rapidly in environments where children share close contact and personal items. Schools and day‑care centers therefore require clear policies that address the causes of lice and the steps needed to limit transmission.

Policy components typically include:

Mandatory visual inspections during admission, after reported cases, and at regular intervals such as the start of each term.
Immediate exclusion of any child found with live lice until treatment is completed and a follow‑up inspection confirms clearance.
Requirement that parents provide proof of treatment, including the product used and the date of application.
Designated staff trained to identify lice and nits accurately, reducing false positives and unnecessary exclusions.
Routine education for families on how lice are transmitted, emphasizing that head‑to‑head contact and sharing of hats, hair accessories, or bedding are primary vectors.
Provision of informational materials that outline effective treatment options, proper application procedures, and the importance of completing the full treatment course.
Establishment of a confidential reporting system that allows staff to notify administration of suspected cases without stigma.
Coordination with local health authorities to ensure that policies comply with regional health regulations and that updated guidance is incorporated promptly.

Effective implementation depends on consistent enforcement, clear communication with caregivers, and regular review of outcomes such as the number of reported cases and the duration of exclusions. By integrating these measures, educational and child‑care settings can significantly reduce the frequency of lice occurrences and maintain a healthier environment for all participants.

Communication Among Parents

Lice infestations spread quickly when children share personal items or engage in close contact during school activities. Early detection relies on parents who notice signs and report them promptly to teachers and other families. Timely information exchange limits the number of children exposed and shortens the duration of an outbreak.

Effective communication among caregivers includes several practical actions:

Immediate notification to the school and other parents when a case is confirmed.
Use of a single, secure channel (email list, messaging app, or designated forum) to avoid contradictory messages.
Agreement on a uniform treatment schedule so all affected children receive medication within the same timeframe.
Distribution of clear instructions for washing clothing, bedding, and toys at temperatures that eradicate eggs.
Regular reminders during the peak season (late summer, early fall) emphasizing inspection routines.

Coordinated messaging reduces uncertainty, prevents duplication of effort, and fosters a collective response that minimizes reinfestation. Parents who maintain consistent, factual updates create an environment where preventive measures are applied uniformly, thereby decreasing the overall incidence of lice in the community.

Protective Hairstyles and Accessories

Long Hair Management

Long hair creates a dense environment that can conceal lice eggs and nymphs, making detection and removal more difficult. The scalp’s warmth and moisture, combined with hair length, provide ideal conditions for lice to thrive. Frequent contact between individuals, especially in close‑quarters settings, introduces the insects, while the hair’s length reduces the effectiveness of visual inspection.

Effective management of long hair reduces the risk of infestation. Regular grooming removes debris that can hide lice, and it allows early identification of live insects or eggs. Using a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair after each wash isolates and extracts lice before they multiply.

Prevention measures specific to long hair:

Trim hair to a manageable length when possible; shorter hair limits hiding spaces.
Keep hair clean and dry; avoid excessive sweating and damp headwear.
Separate personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, and pillows; do not share them.
Apply a preventative spray containing dimethicone or similar agents to the hair shaft, following product instructions.
Conduct weekly inspections with a nit comb, focusing on the nape, behind ears, and crown.

If lice are detected, isolate the affected individual, wash all clothing and bedding at ≥60 °C, and treat the hair with an approved pediculicide. Repeat nit combing after 7–10 days to capture any newly hatched lice. Consistent adherence to these practices limits the likelihood of a persistent infestation in individuals with long hair.

Hair Products and Repellents «Limited Efficacy»

Lice infestations arise when head‑to‑head contact transfers viable eggs or nymphs onto a host’s scalp. The insects locate suitable environments by detecting warmth, carbon dioxide, and the chemical composition of human hair. Overcrowded settings, shared personal items, and inadequate hygiene increase the probability of transfer, but the presence of lice does not depend solely on cleanliness.

Hair‑care products marketed as lice repellents—such as scented shampoos, conditioners, and leave‑in sprays—contain ingredients intended to create an unfavorable surface for the parasite. Common agents include essential oils (e.g., tea tree, peppermint), silicone‑based polymers, and low‑concentration insecticides. Clinical evaluations show that these formulations reduce attachment rates only marginally and do not eradicate existing infestations. The limited efficacy stems from several factors:

Volatile compounds evaporate quickly, diminishing repellent strength within hours.
Lice can adapt to low‑dose chemicals, rendering them ineffective after repeated exposure.
Application inconsistencies leave untreated sections of hair where lice can survive.

Preventive strategies that complement product use focus on mechanical and environmental controls. Regular inspection of hair, especially after group activities, allows early detection. Immediate laundering of bedding, hats, and brushes at temperatures above 60 °C eliminates residual eggs. Physical barriers, such as tightly woven hairnets, restrict direct contact and reduce transmission risk more reliably than chemical repellents.

In summary, hair products labeled as lice deterrents provide only a modest reduction in infestation likelihood. Relying exclusively on these items offers insufficient protection; comprehensive prevention requires diligent monitoring, proper hygiene of personal items, and immediate removal of contaminated materials.

What to Do if Lice are Suspected

Recognizing the Signs of Infestation

Itching and Scalp Irritation

Lice infestations trigger itching and scalp irritation because the insects feed on blood and inject saliva containing proteins that the body recognizes as allergens. The allergic reaction releases histamine, which causes the characteristic pruritus and redness. Continuous scratching can damage the epidermis, leading to secondary bacterial infection and prolonged discomfort.

The intensity of itching correlates with the number of lice and nits present. Female lice lay eggs close to the scalp, where they hatch within seven to ten days; each newly emerged nymph adds to the saliva load, amplifying the inflammatory response. Early detection of bite marks—tiny, red punctures—allows prompt treatment, reducing the duration of irritation.

Effective control of itching involves both medical and hygienic measures:

Apply a topical pediculicide approved for scalp use, following the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time and repeat application.
Use an anti‑itch lotion containing calamine or a low‑strength corticosteroid to soothe inflammation.
Wash hair with a gentle shampoo to remove dead lice and nits, then comb with a fine‑toothed lice comb to extract remaining insects.
Disinfect personal items (combs, hats, pillowcases) with hot water (≥ 60 °C) or a suitable disinfectant to prevent re‑infestation.
Maintain regular scalp inspections, especially in settings where close contact is common, to catch new infestations before symptoms worsen.

Preventing scalp irritation also requires minimizing conditions that favor lice survival. Regularly trimming hair, avoiding the sharing of headgear, and keeping living environments clean reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. When itching persists despite treatment, consult a healthcare professional to rule out secondary infection or alternative dermatological conditions.

Visual Identification of Lice and Nits

Lice are small, wing‑less insects that cling to the scalp and feed on blood. Adult heads lice measure 2–4 mm in length, have a flattened body, six legs with clawed tarsi, and range in color from gray‑brown to tan. Their bodies are translucent when unfed and become darker after a blood meal. Live lice move quickly across hair shafts and are most often found behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline.

Nits are the eggs of lice. They appear as oval, 0.8 mm structures firmly cemented to the side of a hair shaft, typically within 1 cm of the scalp. Fresh nits are tan or milky white; as embryos develop, they darken to yellow‑brown and finally turn opaque black before hatching. Because nits are glued with a proteinaceous substance, they do not detach easily during washing or combing.

Key visual indicators for distinguishing lice and nits from other scalp debris:

Adult lice: visible movement, elongated body, six legs, darkened after feeding.
Live nits: firmly attached, close to scalp, translucent to yellow‑brown, no easy sliding when hair is pulled.
Empty nits (shells): brown or black, remain attached after hatching, lack any internal content.
Dandruff or hair debris: flaky, easily displaced, not attached to hair shaft, no egg‑like shape.

Effective detection requires a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Comb the scalp from the root outward, wiping the comb after each pass. Re‑examine the comb and hair under adequate lighting to confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits. Early visual identification enables prompt treatment and reduces the risk of spread.

Next Steps After Discovery

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

When head‑lice infestations are suspected, professional medical advice provides accurate diagnosis and safe treatment. A clinician can differentiate live lice from nits, rule out other scalp conditions, and prescribe medications that over‑the‑counter products may lack. Prescription options often include topical insecticides with higher efficacy and lower resistance risk, as well as oral agents for severe cases. The practitioner also offers personalized guidance on cleaning personal items, managing household contacts, and preventing re‑infestation.

Key reasons to seek a healthcare professional:

Confirmation of live lice presence through visual inspection.
Access to prescription‑strength treatments when OTC options fail.
Instruction on proper application, timing, and repeat dosing.
Advice on laundering, vacuuming, and environmental decontamination.
Follow‑up evaluation to ensure eradication and address complications.

Prompt consultation reduces the likelihood of prolonged infestation, minimizes skin irritation, and supports effective long‑term control. If symptoms persist after initial treatment, a repeat visit allows adjustment of therapy and reinforcement of preventive measures.

Treatment Options Overview «Brief Mention»

Lice infestations are addressed with several short‑term interventions that target the insect directly or remove it mechanically. Commonly available pediculicides contain 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin; they are applied to damp hair, left for the recommended period, then rinsed. Prescription agents such as 0.5 % malathion, oral ivermectin, or 0.05 % spinosad provide alternatives when resistance to over‑the‑counter products is suspected.

Mechanical removal relies on a fine‑toothed comb used on wet, conditioned hair. Repeated combing at 2–3‑day intervals eliminates live lice and hatches nymphs. Dimethicone‑based lotions coat the exoskeleton, suffocating the parasite without neurotoxic chemicals; they are suitable for sensitive scalps.

Environmental control complements personal treatment. Washing bedding, clothing, and hats in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing items in plastic bags for two weeks prevents re‑infestation. Vacuuming furniture and carpets removes stray lice and eggs.

These options can be combined—chemical or silicone‑based products paired with thorough combing and proper laundering—to maximize eradication while minimizing recurrence.