How should you treat a child’s house for lice? - briefly
Wash all bedding, clothing, and washable items in water ≥ 130 °F and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and crevices, then apply an EPA‑registered lice‑control product to surfaces according to the label instructions.
How should you treat a child’s house for lice? - in detail
Treating a residential environment after a lice outbreak requires systematic removal of live insects and their eggs, followed by preventive measures to avoid re‑infestation.
All washable items must be processed at the highest temperature the fabric tolerates. Use a dryer on a hot setting for at least 20 minutes, or wash in water ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) with detergent. Items that cannot be heated should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks, the duration needed for lice and nits to die without a host.
Vacuuming eliminates louse‑laden debris from carpets, upholstery, and floor coverings. Focus on areas where the child spends time: bedroom, playroom, and furniture cushions. After vacuuming, discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed container and discard it promptly.
Hard surfaces benefit from a thorough wipe‑down with a disinfectant that does not damage the material. Pay special attention to doorknobs, light switches, and toy surfaces. For non‑washable toys, immerse in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Clothing, hats, scarves, and other accessories should be laundered as described above. Items that cannot be washed may be placed in a freezer at – 20 °C (– 4 °F) for 24 hours, a method proven to kill lice and nits.
A concise checklist:
- Wash bedding, pajamas, and towels at ≥ 130 °F or dry on high heat.
- Seal unwashable items in airtight bags for 14 days.
- Vacuum all carpeted and upholstered areas; discard vacuum contents.
- Disinfect high‑touch surfaces with an appropriate cleaner.
- Freeze non‑launderable garments for 24 hours at – 20 °C.
- Inspect and repeat the process after 7 days to catch any newly hatched lice.
Maintaining a clean environment, combined with regular checks of the child’s hair, reduces the likelihood of a recurrence. Use a fine‑toothed comb on damp hair weekly for at least one month to confirm the absence of live insects.