How to eliminate clothing lice? - briefly
Isolate any contaminated clothing and place it in a sealed bag. Wash the items at a minimum of 60 °C or dry them on high heat, and if laundering is impossible, treat the fabric with an EPA‑approved lice insecticide before resealing.
How to eliminate clothing lice? - in detail
Clothing lice, also known as body lice, live in seams and folds of garments and spread when contaminated clothing contacts the skin. Prompt removal of the insects and their eggs prevents reinfestation and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Immediate actions
- Separate infested items from clean laundry.
- Place garments in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours to limit further spread.
- Wash each piece in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) with regular detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; the combination of temperature and agitation kills both lice and nits.
Alternative decontamination methods
- Dry‑cleaning services use solvents that eradicate lice; ensure the provider follows standard protocols for pest removal.
- For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a sturdy bag and freeze at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 72 hours; extreme cold destroys eggs and insects.
- Apply a portable steam cleaner (temperature above 212 °F / 100 °C) to seams and pockets; steam penetrates fabric layers and eliminates hidden stages.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, towels, and personal items using the same hot‑water and high‑heat cycle.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattress surfaces; discard vacuum bags or empty canisters immediately.
- Treat the host with an appropriate pediculicide cream or lotion, following medical guidance, to stop further egg deposition on clothing.
Preventive measures
- Launder all clothing after travel, outdoor work, or exposure to crowded conditions.
- Store off‑season garments in airtight containers with silica packets to reduce humidity, which deters lice development.
- Avoid sharing coats, hats, or other personal apparel; provide individual laundry facilities in communal settings.
Consistent application of these procedures eradicates current infestations and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.