How to detect lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair for live insects or nits attached to hair shafts, focusing on the behind‑ear area and nape of the neck. Use a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair to reveal hidden lice and their eggs.
How to detect lice? - in detail
Detecting a lice infestation requires systematic examination of the scalp and hair. Begin with a thorough visual inspection under bright lighting. Separate hair into small sections, pulling each strand away from the scalp to expose the shaft. Look for live insects, which are approximately 2–4 mm long, grayish‑brown, and move quickly. Also search for nits—oval, whitish or yellowish eggs—firmly attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. Nits that are hard to see can be revealed with a magnifying glass.
A fine‑tooth (0.2 mm) lice comb enhances detection. Wet the hair with a light conditioner to reduce slip, then comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb on a white surface after each pass. Each pass should capture any live lice or nits that cling to the comb teeth. Repeating the combing process three times per session increases accuracy.
Key body areas to examine include:
- Hairline and temples
- Behind the ears
- Nape of the neck
- Crown and parting lines
Additional clues of infestation are:
- Small, red bite marks on the scalp or neck
- Persistent itching, especially after exposure to others with confirmed cases
- Presence of “crawlers” (young lice) on clothing or bedding
If visual methods are inconclusive, a laboratory sample can be collected by cutting a small tuft of hair and sending it to a diagnostic lab for microscopic analysis. Professional pest‑control or medical services may use specialized lice detection devices that emit ultraviolet light to highlight nits.
For reliable monitoring, repeat the inspection and combing routine every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, as the life cycle of the parasite requires multiple checks to capture newly hatched lice.