How should a bed be treated for lice and nits? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets and removable mattress covers in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 30 minutes, then dry them on the highest heat setting. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly, place it in an airtight encasement for two weeks, and discard any non‑washable items that cannot be treated.
How should a bed be treated for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating a sleeping surface infested with lice and their eggs requires a systematic approach that eliminates live insects, destroys unhatched eggs, and prevents reinfestation.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Remove all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers. Examine seams, folds, and crevices for adult lice, nymphs, and attached eggs (nits). Use a fine-toothed comb or a magnifying glass to aid detection.
Launder all removable fabrics at the highest temperature the material can tolerate, preferably 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter, for at least 30 minutes. Dry items on a high‑heat setting for a minimum of 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed, such as delicate pillows, should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period that exceeds the life cycle of the parasite.
Address the mattress and box spring directly. Follow these steps:
- Vacuum the entire surface, focusing on seams, tufts, and edges. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container.
- Apply heat with a portable steamer (minimum 212 °F / 100 °C) to all exposed areas. Steam penetrates fabric and kills both insects and eggs within seconds.
- Use an approved insecticide labeled for lice control on bedding. Apply according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the product is safe for mattresses and does not leave harmful residues. Allow the recommended contact time before re‑covering the surface.
- Encase the mattress and box spring in a zippered, lice‑proof cover. The enclosure should remain sealed for at least 10 days, preventing any surviving nits from hatching.
After treatment, replace clean bedding and keep the room temperature low (below 68 °F / 20 °C) for several days, as cooler conditions reduce lice activity. Regularly vacuum the floor and furniture surrounding the sleeping area for at least two weeks.
Maintain vigilance by checking the sleeping surface weekly for a month. Promptly launder any new linens that become contaminated and repeat the heat or chemical steps if any live insects are observed. This disciplined routine eliminates the current infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.