How to kill lice in the house? - briefly
Treat all bedding, clothing, and upholstery with a high‑temperature wash (≥60 °C) or a dry‑heat cycle, then vacuum and seal any items that cannot be heated in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Apply an approved indoor pediculicide spray or powder to carpets and cracks, follow safety guidelines, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How to kill lice in the house? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from a residential environment requires a systematic approach that targets both the insects on the host and their eggs in the surroundings.
First, treat the affected individuals. Apply a pediculicide approved by health authorities according to the label instructions. After the recommended exposure time, rinse thoroughly and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove nits. Repeat the treatment after seven to ten days to catch any newly hatched lice.
Second, decontaminate personal items. Place clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in a washing machine set to the hottest safe temperature (minimum 130 °F/54 °C). Dry them on a high‑heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period that exceeds the lice life cycle.
Third, clean the household environment. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats thoroughly, focusing on seams and crevices where lice may hide. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it. Wash or wipe hard surfaces—flooring, countertops, door handles—with an EPA‑registered insecticide or a solution of 1 % hydrogen peroxide, allowing the surface to remain wet for the contact time specified on the product label.
Fourth, address non‑launderable objects. For items such as hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories, soak them in hot water (at least 130 °F/54 °C) for ten minutes, then dry on high heat. For stuffed toys or delicate fabrics, place them in a sealed bag with a desiccant or freeze them at −4 °F (−20 °C) for 24 hours, then allow them to thaw before vacuuming.
Fifth, implement preventive measures. Instruct all household members to avoid sharing personal items that contact hair. Encourage regular inspection of hair and scalp, especially after sleepovers or school activities. Maintain a routine of washing bedding weekly during an outbreak.
By following these steps—host treatment, laundering, thorough vacuuming, targeted surface disinfection, and preventive practices—the infestation can be eradicated and the risk of reinfestation minimized.