How long do lice live and how can you get rid of them?

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How long do lice live and how can you get rid of them? - briefly
Lice usually live for roughly 30 days on a person, with immature stages maturing in about a week and adults dying within a month without treatment. Eradication relies on meticulous nit‑combing, laundering clothes and bedding at ≥130 °F (54 °C), and applying an approved pediculicide according to its instructions.

How long do lice live and how can you get rid of them? - in detail
Lice survive for roughly three weeks on a human host. Adult females lay 6‑10 eggs each day; eggs hatch after 7‑10 days, producing nymphs that mature in another 7‑10 days. The entire cycle—from egg to reproducing adult—takes about 2‑3 weeks. Without a blood meal, an adult dies within 1‑2 days.
Effective eradication requires simultaneous removal of insects, their eggs, and any potential reservoirs. The following steps are recommended:

Mechanical extraction

Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends.
Perform the combing every 2‑3 days for at least two weeks, discarding each combed segment.
Wash combs in hot, soapy water after each session.

Chemical treatment

Apply a pediculicide containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide, following label directions precisely.
Leave the product on the scalp for the recommended exposure time (usually 10‑15 minutes).
Repeat the application after 7‑10 days to target newly hatched nymphs that survived the first dose.

Alternative agents

Dimethicone‑based lotions suffocate insects and are effective against resistant strains.
Sulfur‑containing soaps or herbal preparations (e.g., tea‑tree oil) may reduce infestation but lack robust clinical validation.

Environmental decontamination

Machine‑wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C; tumble‑dry on high heat.
Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for at least 2 weeks, as lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours off a host.
Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.

Preventive measures

Instruct children to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or headphones.
Conduct routine head checks in schools or childcare settings, focusing on the nape and behind the ears.
Encourage regular use of a fine‑toothed comb as a screening tool.

Adhering to this comprehensive protocol eliminates the infestation within the typical lifespan of the parasite and minimizes the risk of re‑colonization.