How can an apartment be treated for head lice and nits? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics in water at least 130 °F and dry on the hottest setting, then seal non‑washable items in airtight containers for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and cracks thoroughly, and apply a registered indoor lice spray or fogger according to the label directions, keeping the area sealed for the recommended treatment period.
How can an apartment be treated for head lice and nits? - in detail
Treating a residence for a head‑lice infestation requires a systematic approach that targets both the insects on people and the eggs (nits) that may reside on fabrics and surfaces. Begin by confirming the presence of live lice on the scalp and checking for nits attached to hair shafts. All affected individuals should undergo a thorough combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb, removing as many insects and eggs as possible. Apply an FDA‑approved topical pediculicide to each person according to the product label; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
Next, isolate personal items that cannot be washed. Seal them in airtight plastic bags for at least two weeks, the period required for lice to die without a blood meal. For washable items—clothing, bed linens, pillowcases, towels—launder at the hottest temperature the fabric can tolerate (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be machine‑washed should be dry‑cleaned or placed in a sealed bag and exposed to direct sunlight for several hours, as ultraviolet radiation is lethal to lice and nits.
Proceed to decontaminate the living space. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and mattress seams thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use. Steam‑clean hard surfaces, especially areas where hair may have fallen (e.g., headboard, nightstand). For non‑fabric furnishings, wipe with a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or a comparable insecticide approved for indoor use, following safety instructions to protect occupants and pets.
Finally, implement preventive measures to avoid re‑infestation. Encourage all household members to avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, helmets, or pillows. Schedule regular inspections of hair for at least three weeks after treatment, using a lice comb weekly. Maintain a clean environment by washing bedding weekly during the outbreak period and keeping personal items stored separately.
By following these steps—personal treatment, thorough laundering, comprehensive cleaning of the dwelling, and sustained prevention—the infestation can be eradicated and the risk of recurrence minimized.