How can the clothing louse be destroyed? - briefly
Eliminate infestations by laundering items at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) or drying on high heat, by applying an approved insecticide spray or powder, and by freezing sealed garments at –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least 48 hours.
How can the clothing louse be destroyed? - in detail
Clothing lice (Pediculus humanus corporeus) survive only on worn garments and personal items. Effective eradication requires a combination of personal hygiene, thermal treatment, chemical control, and environmental sanitation.
Personal measures
- Remove all clothing, bedding, and towels from the infested individual.
- Wash each item in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 10 minutes; high temperature kills all life stages.
- If laundering at high temperature is impossible, dry‑clean the items or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, depriving lice of a host.
- After washing, tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes to ensure residual insects are destroyed.
Chemical options
- Apply a 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion lotion directly to the skin and hair, following manufacturer instructions.
- Treat clothing and bedding with a residual insecticide spray labeled for lice, allowing the recommended contact time before re‑use.
- Use products containing ivermectin (topical or oral) under medical supervision for resistant infestations.
Thermal and mechanical methods
- Iron garments on the highest setting for a minimum of five minutes, focusing on seams and folds where lice hide.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and storage areas for at least 30 minutes, discarding or sealing the vacuum bag afterward.
- Expose stored clothing to direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet radiation and heat contribute to mortality.
Environmental sanitation
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces that may have contacted infested clothing, using a solution of 0.5 % bleach or an EPA‑registered disinfectant.
- Replace or launder curtains, mattress covers, and pillowcases regularly.
- Seal non‑launderable items in airtight containers for a minimum of 72 hours to starve any remaining lice.
Monitoring
- Inspect the individual and all treated items daily for three weeks; re‑apply treatments if live lice are observed.
Combining these strategies eliminates the parasite from both the host and the surrounding environment, preventing re‑infestation.