Do lice live on clothing and for how long? - briefly
Lice cannot live or reproduce on clothing; they require a human host for feeding and breeding. Off‑host, head lice survive up to about 48 hours, while body lice may persist for roughly five days before dying.
Do lice live on clothing and for how long? - in detail
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that require a human host for feeding and reproduction. Their capacity to remain on fabric varies among species.
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) spend their entire life cycle on the scalp. When transferred to clothing, they lose access to blood meals and quickly become inactive. Under typical indoor conditions, survival on a shirt or pillowcase does not exceed 24–48 hours. Lack of warmth and humidity accelerates mortality; desiccation is the primary cause of death.
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) differ markedly. Adult insects lay eggs in the seams of shirts, trousers, or socks, where they are protected from direct contact with the skin. The insects can feed briefly by crawling onto the wearer, then retreat to the garment. In a clean, dry environment, viable adults may persist for 5–7 days, while eggs (nits) remain viable for up to 10 days before hatching. Warm, humid conditions extend survivability, whereas washing at ≥50 °C or tumble‑drying for 10 minutes eliminates both adults and eggs.
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) are adapted to coarse hair and rarely encounter clothing. If displaced onto fabric, they survive no longer than 2–3 days, lacking the behavioral adaptations seen in body lice.
Key factors influencing survival on garments:
- Temperature: 20–30 °C supports longer life; temperatures above 45 °C are lethal within minutes.
- Humidity: 70 % relative humidity prolongs viability; dry air causes rapid desiccation.
- Material: Thick, woven fabrics retain moisture better than synthetic blends, offering modest protection.
- Cleaning methods: Hot water (≥50 °C), bleach, or high‑heat drying eradicate all stages; cold wash does not guarantee removal.
In summary, head lice survive on clothing for only a day or two, pubic lice for a few days, while body lice can persist for up to a week, especially when protected within seams. Proper laundering and heat treatment are essential to eliminate any lice remaining on garments.