How long do lice live on clothing? - briefly
Adult head lice survive on fabrics for roughly one to two days; without a human host they die within 48 hours.
How long do lice live on clothing? - in detail
Lice can remain alive on fabrics only for a limited period because they require blood meals to survive. Under normal indoor temperatures (20‑25 °C) and moderate humidity (30‑50 %), head lice typically survive 24–48 hours without a host. Body lice, which are adapted to clothing, may persist a little longer, up to 72 hours, but rarely exceed five days even in optimal conditions.
Survival time is extended when temperature rises above 30 °C and humidity stays above 70 %. In such environments, the insects’ metabolism slows, allowing them to endure up to 120 hours. Conversely, cold temperatures below 10 °C sharply reduce viability; most lice die within a few hours at refrigerator temperatures.
Key factors influencing longevity on garments:
- Temperature: 20‑25 °C → 1‑2 days; >30 °C → up to 5 days; <10 °C → few hours.
- Humidity: 30‑50 % → standard survival; >70 % → prolonged survival.
- Species: head lice → shorter lifespan; body lice → slightly longer.
- Feeding opportunity: absence of a host forces death after the energy reserves are exhausted.
Control measures that guarantee elimination:
- Wash clothing in hot water (≥60 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
- Dry items in a dryer on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for 48 hours; insects cannot survive beyond this period without a host.
- For delicate fabrics, place them in a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours.
The combination of high temperature, low humidity, and lack of blood meals ensures that lice cannot persist on clothing beyond the time frames described.