How to eliminate lice at home? - briefly
Apply a permethrin or pyrethrin lice treatment as directed, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove eggs, repeating the process after 7–10 days. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to prevent re‑infestation.
How to eliminate lice at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations without leaving the house requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
First, treat the hair. Apply a pediculicide approved for home use according to the product label—typically a 10 % permethrin lotion or a 1 % dimethicone cream. Leave the preparation on the scalp for the specified time, usually 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. After the chemical step, use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb through each section, wiping the teeth after every pass. Repeat the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs.
Second, decontaminate personal items. Place clothing, bedding, and towels used within the past 48 hours in a dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes; heat above 130 °F (54 °C) kills both adult lice and eggs. For items that cannot be machine‑dried, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks, depriving the insects of a food source. Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
Third, sanitize the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove any stray lice or eggs. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it. Soak hairbrushes, combs, and styling tools in hot water (≥130 °F) for 10 minutes, then scrub with soap and rinse.
Finally, monitor and repeat. Check the scalp daily for live insects or viable nits. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consider a second‑generation pediculicide such as ivermectin lotion, following the same protocol. Persistent cases may warrant consultation with a medical professional for prescription‑strength options.
By adhering strictly to these steps—chemical application, meticulous combing, thorough laundering, and environmental sanitation—homeowners can eradicate an infestation efficiently and prevent re‑infestation.