How can lice and nits be destroyed at home? - briefly
Use a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based shampoo, leave it on the scalp for the recommended time, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to eliminate remaining insects and eggs. Follow with a second application after 7–10 days and launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How can lice and nits be destroyed at home? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations in a domestic setting requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental actions.
A thorough approach begins with immediate treatment of the hair.
- Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Follow the product’s instructions precisely, leaving the solution on the scalp for the recommended duration before rinsing.
- After the first application, repeat the treatment after seven to ten days to target any newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial dose.
Mechanical removal complements chemical treatment.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably stainless steel, on wet, conditioned hair.
- Section the hair, comb from scalp to tips, then back‑comb from tips to scalp.
- Rinse the comb in hot water after each pass and repeat the process for at least three consecutive days.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk.
- Wash all worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks, depriving lice of a food source.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Alternative heat‑based methods offer non‑chemical options.
- Apply a commercially available lice‑removal device that delivers controlled heat to the scalp, maintaining a temperature of 44–45 °C for the prescribed exposure time.
- Use a hair dryer on a low‑heat setting to dry the hair thoroughly after washing; the residual heat can help kill remaining nymphs.
Regular inspection ensures complete eradication.
- Examine the scalp every 24 hours for live insects or viable eggs.
- Continue monitoring for two weeks after the final treatment, as the life cycle of head lice spans approximately 7–10 days.
By integrating appropriate topical agents, diligent combing, rigorous laundering, and heat‑based strategies, a household can achieve thorough elimination of lice and their eggs without professional intervention.