How should you treat a child’s apartment for lice? - briefly
Wash all linens, clothing, and washable items in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or higher; discard or seal non‑washable items for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then apply an approved lice‑treatment spray or steam to remaining surfaces.
How should you treat a child’s apartment for lice? - in detail
Treating a child’s living space after a lice infestation requires a systematic approach that eliminates both live insects and their eggs from all environments the child contacts.
The first priority is to contain the problem. Remove the child from the affected room for a minimum of 24 hours while cleaning proceeds. Collect all clothing, bedding, and fabric items the child has used in the past 48 hours and place them in sealed plastic bags. Wash each item in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks, a period that exceeds the hatched life cycle of lice eggs.
Next, address the furnishings and surfaces. Follow a step‑by‑step protocol:
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
- Steam‑clean mattresses, pillows, and cushions using a device that reaches at least 212 °F (100 °C). The high temperature destroys both lice and nits.
- Wipe hard surfaces (tables, doorknobs, light switches, toys) with a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or a comparable EPA‑approved insecticide. Allow the surface to remain wet for the manufacturer‑specified contact time before wiping dry.
- Treat hair‑holding furniture (e.g., hairbrushes, combs) by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes or applying a lice‑specific spray according to label directions.
Non‑chemical methods can complement insecticide use. Apply diatomaceous earth lightly to carpet edges and vacuum after 24 hours; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeletons of surviving insects. Ensure adequate ventilation during any chemical application, and keep children and pets out of treated rooms until the product has dried.
Finally, monitor the environment for at least three weeks. Conduct visual inspections of the child’s hair and scalp twice weekly, and repeat vacuuming of high‑traffic areas every five days. If live lice are detected after the initial treatment cycle, repeat the washing and surface‑cleaning steps, and consider a second round of insecticide application following label guidelines.
A disciplined, repeatable cleaning regimen eliminates the infestation and prevents re‑establishment, protecting the child’s health and preserving a safe home environment.