How to quickly get rid of lice in the house? - briefly
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks, wash all bedding, clothing, and curtains in water ≥ 130 °F, and apply a licensed lice spray to surfaces; repeat the treatment after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister promptly to prevent re‑infestation.
How to quickly get rid of lice in the house? - in detail
Eliminate head‑lice infestations rapidly by combining immediate treatment of affected persons with thorough environmental sanitation.
Begin with personal therapy. Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % malathion, or a non‑chemical option such as dimethicone. Follow the product’s instructions precisely: leave the solution on the scalp for the recommended time, then rinse. After the first application, repeat the treatment after seven days to kill any newly hatched nits. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet hair, moving from scalp to tip in sections; repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Address clothing and bedding. Immediately place all worn garments, pillowcases, and towels in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours, or wash them in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight containers for two weeks, as lice cannot survive beyond this period without a host.
Treat household surfaces. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor mats thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward. Wipe hard surfaces (bed frames, doorknobs, countertops) with a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for at least five minutes before wiping clean.
Reduce reinfestation risk. Instruct all household members to avoid sharing combs, hats, scarves, or headphones. Encourage regular head checks, especially in school‑age children, and isolate any newly identified cases until treatment is complete.
Summary of actions:
- Apply approved pediculicide to affected hair; repeat after 7 days.
- Comb wet hair with a nit comb every 2–3 days for 14 days.
- Wash or seal all textiles for ≥ 48 hours; hot‑wash and high‑heat dry when possible.
- Vacuum and disinfect all living areas; use alcohol or bleach solutions on hard surfaces.
- Enforce personal‑item hygiene and routine inspections.
These steps, executed promptly and consistently, eradicate lice from the residence and prevent recurrence.