How can an apartment be treated for lice and nits at home? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams, then discard or seal the vacuum bag; wash all bedding, clothing, and washable items in hot water (at least 130 °F) and dry on high heat. Non‑washable fabrics should be placed in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate any remaining parasites.
How can an apartment be treated for lice and nits at home? - in detail
Treating a living space for head‑lice and their eggs requires a systematic approach that targets both the insects on people and any residual organisms in the environment.
Begin by isolating the infestation source. All individuals who have been in contact with the affected person should be examined and, if necessary, treated with an approved pediculicide or a thorough combing regimen using a fine‑toothed nit comb. Personal items such as hats, scarves, and hair accessories must be placed in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation.
Next, address fabrics and linens. Wash bedding, pillowcases, towels, and clothing in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks, the period during which lice cannot survive without a host.
For upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains, employ the following steps:
- Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly, paying special attention to seams, cushions, and crevices. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the residence.
- Apply a residual insecticide labeled for indoor use against lice, following manufacturer instructions for concentration, application method, and safety precautions. Use a spray or fogger that can penetrate fabric fibers.
- After treatment, leave the treated rooms unoccupied for the time specified on the product label (typically 2–4 hours). Open windows to ventilate the space before re‑entry.
Hard surfaces such as countertops, door handles, and light switches should be wiped with a disinfectant solution containing at least 70 % alcohol or a comparable lice‑effective agent. Repeat this cleaning daily for a week to eliminate any newly hatched nits that may have fallen onto these surfaces.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Encourage regular head checks, maintain personal items separate, and limit sharing of hair accessories. Schedule a follow‑up inspection of all occupants and the environment after seven days to confirm the eradication of the infestation.