How to get rid of lice in a private house? - briefly
Treat all bedding, clothing, and upholstery with a high‑temperature wash (≥130 °F) or a sealed‑bag freeze for 48 hours, then apply a recommended pediculicide to hair and remove nits with a fine‑tooth comb. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture thoroughly, and isolate or discard any infested items for at least two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of lice in a private house? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from a private residence requires a coordinated approach that targets both the affected individuals and the surrounding environment. The process can be divided into three phases: personal treatment, household decontamination, and preventive measures.
First, treat every person who has been in close contact with the infested individual. Use a pediculicide shampoo or lotion approved by health authorities; follow the label instructions for application time and repeat the treatment after seven to ten days to kill newly hatched nymphs. Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while the product is still wet, removing dead insects and eggs. For children who cannot tolerate chemical products, apply a dimethicone‑based solution, which suffocates lice without toxicity.
Second, cleanse the living space to eradicate any stray nits or lice that may have fallen off hair. Follow these steps:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels worn or used by the infested person in water ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag for a minimum of two weeks, preventing hatching.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
- Soak hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for ten minutes, then wash with soap.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray approved for indoor use to cracks, baseboards, and other potential hiding spots; ensure proper ventilation during and after application.
Third, implement practices that reduce the likelihood of re‑infestation. Advise all household members to avoid sharing personal items such as hats, scarves, hair accessories, and headphones. Encourage regular hair inspections, especially after school or group activities, and maintain a schedule of weekly combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb for at least one month following treatment. Keep clothing and bedding separate from those of visitors who may be carriers, and educate children on the importance of personal hygiene without stigmatizing the condition.
By adhering to these systematic steps—prompt personal therapy, rigorous environmental cleaning, and consistent preventive habits—the infestation can be eradicated efficiently and the risk of recurrence minimized.