How to eliminate lice from a house? - briefly
Remove all bedding, clothing, and upholstery, wash them in water ≥ 130 °F or dry‑clean, then vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture, discarding the vacuum bag. Apply a registered lice‑control spray or powder to baseboards, cracks, and upholstered surfaces, and repeat the treatment after seven days.
How to eliminate lice from a house? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from a household requires a systematic approach that addresses both the insects on people and their potential hideouts in the environment.
First, treat all affected individuals. Use a pediculicide shampoo or lotion that contains 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to the product label, leave on for the specified time, then rinse. After treatment, comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, removing any live insects and eggs. Repeat the combing process every 24 hours for ten days to catch newly hatched nymphs. If resistance is suspected, consider a prescription‑only preparation such as 0.25 % ivermectin lotion, following a physician’s guidance.
Second, decontaminate personal items. Place clothing, bedding, and towels used within the past 48 hours in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be machine‑washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, the duration required for lice to die without a host. For hair accessories, brushes, and combs, soak in hot water (≥130 °F) for 10 minutes, then scrub with soap.
Third, treat the living environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floor cracks thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use. Steam‑clean mattresses and sofas, ensuring the temperature reaches at least 130 °F for several minutes, which kills lice and nits. Apply an EPA‑registered residual spray to baseboards, cracks, and crevices if infestation is severe, following safety instructions.
Fourth, implement preventive measures. Encourage regular head checks, especially in school‑age children, and avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones. Maintain a routine of washing bedding weekly in hot water. Educate household members about the life cycle of the parasite to reduce re‑infestation risk.
Summary of actions:
- Apply approved topical treatment to all persons; repeat combing for ten days.
- Wash or seal all clothing, linens, and personal accessories used recently.
- Vacuum and steam‑clean furnishings; use residual insecticide where necessary.
- Establish ongoing hygiene practices and monitoring to prevent recurrence.
Following these steps systematically removes the pests and minimizes the chance of future outbreaks.