How should I treat a bed and nits for lice? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting; vacuum the mattress, seal any removable covers in a plastic bag for two weeks, and apply a lice‑approved mattress spray or steam for 10–15 minutes.
How should I treat a bed and nits for lice? - in detail
Treat the sleeping area and eliminate lice eggs with a systematic approach.
First, remove all bedding, clothing, and personal items that have been in contact with the infested person. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours to starve any surviving insects. After the isolation period, launder the items on the hottest setting the fabric tolerates (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Second, address the mattress and surrounding furniture. Vacuum the entire surface, including seams, crevices, and headboard, using a brush attachment. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it. For hard‑surface frames, wipe with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water, allowing a five‑minute contact time before rinsing.
Third, treat any removable mattress covers, pillows, and blankets that cannot be washed. Encase them in a certified lice‑proof cover that is zippered and labeled “seal‑tight.” Leave the cover on for at least two weeks, during which time any hatched lice will die without a blood source.
Fourth, employ a residual insecticide if necessary. Choose a product specifically labeled for lice control on fabrics and furniture, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions. Apply only to non‑washable surfaces, and ventilate the room for the recommended period.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Reduce clutter around the bed, keep personal items (hats, scarves, hairbrushes) off the floor, and instruct all household members to avoid sharing headgear. Conduct a follow‑up inspection after seven days, repeating the vacuuming and laundering steps if any live lice or eggs are observed.
By executing these steps in sequence—containment, high‑temperature laundering, thorough vacuuming, chemical treatment where appropriate, and ongoing monitoring—the environment can be rendered inhospitable to both adult lice and their nymphal stages.