How should a house be treated if it has lice?

How should a house be treated if it has lice? - briefly

Thoroughly clean and treat every surface, bedding, upholstery, and personal items with an approved pediculicide, washing fabrics at ≥ 130 °F and vacuuming all rooms. After treatment, seal or discard heavily infested items and monitor for re‑infestation for at least two weeks.

How should a house be treated if it has lice? - in detail

Treating a residence infested with lice requires a systematic approach that targets both the insects and the environment they occupy. The process can be divided into three phases: identification, eradication, and prevention.

Identification

• Confirm the presence of lice by examining occupants, bedding, and upholstered furniture.
• Distinguish between head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) to select appropriate measures.

Eradication

1. Personal items

   • Wash all clothing, bed linens, and towels in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
   • Dry on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes; heat kills lice at all life stages.
   • Seal items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to deprive insects of a host.

2. Furniture and surfaces

   • Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
   • Steam‑clean mattresses, cushions, and curtains; steam above 130 °F (54 °C) penetrates fabric and eliminates hidden nits.
   • Apply an EPA‑registered insecticide formulated for lice to cracks, baseboards, and the undersides of furniture. Follow label directions precisely, ensuring adequate ventilation.

3. Structural treatment

   • If infestation persists, consider professional pest‑control services that can perform whole‑house fumigation or heat treatment.
   • Seal all entry points (windows, doors) to prevent re‑infestation from external sources.

Prevention

• Maintain a routine of washing bedding weekly in hot water.
• Encourage occupants to avoid sharing personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, and clothing.
• Perform regular vacuuming and inspection of high‑risk areas (beds, sofas).
• Schedule periodic checks after travel or contact with known infestations; initiate immediate treatment if lice are detected.

Repeated application of these steps at 7‑day intervals is essential, as lice eggs hatch within 7‑10 days. Continuous monitoring for at least one month ensures complete eradication.