How can lice and fleas be removed? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion to the scalp, follow the recommended exposure time, and comb out all nits. Treat pets with spot‑on or oral flea medication, clean bedding and upholstery, and use an environmental insecticide spray to eradicate remaining insects.
How can lice and fleas be removed? - in detail
Lice and fleas require distinct strategies because their life cycles and habitats differ. Effective eradication begins with accurate identification, followed by targeted mechanical, chemical, and environmental measures.
Detection
- Examine scalp or hair for live nits attached to hair shafts; nits are firm, oval, and close to the skin.
- Inspect pets, bedding, and carpet for adult fleas, flea feces (dark specks), or bite marks.
Mechanical removal
- Use a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair, moving from scalp outward; repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- For fleas, wash all bedding and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat; vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly, discarding the bag afterward.
Chemical treatment
- Apply a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion to the hair, following manufacturer instructions; leave for the recommended exposure time, then rinse.
- Treat pets with a veterinary‑approved flea product such as a topical « fipronil » formulation or an oral « nitenpyram » tablet; repeat according to label guidelines to disrupt the flea life cycle.
Environmental control
- Spray insecticide dust or aerosol labeled for indoor use on cracks, baseboards, and under furniture; ensure proper ventilation.
- Employ an EPA‑registered flea growth inhibitor (IGR) in the home to prevent immature stages from developing into adults.
Prevention
- Maintain regular hair inspections, especially after travel or contact with infested individuals.
- Keep pets on a consistent flea preventative regimen; clean living areas weekly to reduce re‑infestation risk.
Combining these steps—prompt identification, repeated mechanical removal, appropriate pharmacologic agents, and thorough environmental sanitation—provides a comprehensive solution for eliminating both lice and fleas.