How long do lice survive without air? - briefly
Lice die within minutes when deprived of oxygen, usually not surviving longer than 5–10 minutes.
How long do lice survive without air? - in detail
Lice depend on a tracheal system that draws atmospheric oxygen through spiracles located on the thorax and abdomen. When the surrounding air is removed, oxygen concentration falls rapidly and carbon‑dioxide accumulates, leading to metabolic failure.
In a completely anoxic environment (e.g., a sealed container from which all air has been evacuated), adult head lice lose mobility within 5–10 minutes and die within 20–30 minutes. Nymphs, being smaller and having lower metabolic demand, survive slightly longer—typically 30–45 minutes before irreversible damage occurs.
When air is present but the insect is isolated from a host, survival is extended:
- High humidity (≥80 % RH) and ambient temperature (20‑30 °C): lice can remain alive for 24–48 hours, sustaining activity for the first 12 hours before becoming lethargic.
- Low humidity (<40 % RH) at the same temperature range: dehydration accelerates death; most individuals perish within 6–12 hours.
- Cooler temperatures (10‑15 °C) with moderate humidity: metabolic rate slows, allowing survival up to 72 hours, though movement is minimal.
The primary cause of mortality in oxygen‑deprived conditions is hypoxia, which disables the mitochondrial electron‑transport chain. Accumulated carbon‑dioxide further depresses neural function, producing rapid paralysis.
In practical terms, any method that removes breathable air—such as vacuum sealing or exposure to an inert gas—will eliminate lice within half an hour. Environmental isolation without complete air removal extends viability only to a few days, after which dehydration and lack of nutrition ensure death.