How many nits does a single louse lay? - briefly
A single head louse usually lays 6–10 nits each day, accumulating roughly 40–50 eggs over its lifespan. This production rate ensures rapid infestation if untreated.
How many nits does a single louse lay? - in detail
A female head louse typically deposits six to ten eggs, called nits, each day. Over her lifespan—approximately three weeks—she can lay a total of 70 to 100 nits, depending on nutrition, temperature, and host hygiene.
The egg‑laying process follows a predictable pattern:
- Eggs are cemented to the hair shaft within 1 mm of the scalp.
- Each nit remains attached for about 7–10 days before hatching.
- The female’s reproductive output peaks during the first two weeks after emergence from her own egg.
Factors influencing production include:
- Host temperature: Optimal range 30–34 °C accelerates metabolism and egg output.
- Blood availability: Adequate feeding allows the louse to allocate more resources to reproduction.
- Stressors: Chemical treatments or mechanical removal can reduce egg‑laying rates temporarily.
The cumulative number of nits per louse therefore varies, but the established range of 70–100 provides a reliable estimate for most infestations.