How should clothing lice be treated? - briefly
Remove infested garments, wash them in hot water (≥130 °F) with detergent and dry on high heat; if laundering is impossible, seal the items in a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks or discard them.
How should clothing lice be treated? - in detail
Effective control of garment‑associated lice requires a systematic approach that addresses the insects, the infested items, and the surrounding environment.
First, confirm the presence of lice by examining clothing seams, cuffs, and folds for live insects or nits. Use a fine‑toothed comb or magnifying lens to improve detection. Isolate the affected garments immediately to prevent spread to other fabrics.
Second, treat the contaminated clothing with high‑temperature washing. Machine‑wash items at a minimum of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle of at least 70 °C (158 °F) for 15 minutes. Heat alone destroys both adult lice and eggs.
Third, for items that cannot tolerate high temperatures, apply a cold‑treatment protocol. Place garments in a sealed plastic bag and expose them to a freezer of –20 °C (–4 °F) or lower for 48 hours. Freezing effectively kills all life stages.
Fourth, if heat or freezing is impractical, use an approved insecticidal spray. Choose a product containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or a non‑organophosphate alternative. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of seams and folds. After treatment, seal the clothing in a plastic bag for 24 hours to allow the chemical to act, then launder as described above.
Fifth, address the surrounding environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and bedding to remove stray insects. Dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters into sealed trash containers. Clean and disinfect closets, drawers, and storage boxes with a solution of 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite or an equivalent disinfectant.
Sixth, implement preventive measures. Encourage daily laundering of underclothing and socks at the recommended temperature. Store clean clothes in sealed containers. Limit close contact with infested individuals until they have completed treatment and their clothing has been processed.
Finally, monitor for reinfestation. Perform weekly inspections of clothing and personal items for at least one month after treatment. If lice reappear, repeat the washing or freezing step and reassess the environmental decontamination procedures.
By following these actions—identification, thermal or chemical eradication, environmental sanitation, and ongoing surveillance—garment‑associated lice infestations can be eliminated efficiently and sustainably.