How to remove lice from the house? - briefly
Eliminate lice by washing all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics in hot water (at least 130 °F) and drying on high heat, then vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks, discarding or sanitizing the vacuum contents. Apply an indoor‑safe residual insecticide spray to baseboards, furniture crevices, and other hiding spots, following the product’s label instructions.
How to remove lice from the house? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from a residence requires a systematic approach that targets both the host and the environment. Begin by confirming the presence of live insects on hair or clothing; visual inspection of all affected individuals should precede any remedial action.
The following steps constitute a comprehensive protocol:
- Personal treatment – apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion according to the product label, repeat after seven days to kill newly hatched nymphs. Wash hair after the recommended exposure time; rinse thoroughly.
- Clothing and linens – place worn garments, bedding, towels, and hats in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours, then launder at ≥60 °C (140 °F) or dry‑clean. Items that cannot be heated should be sealed in airtight containers for two weeks.
- Vacuuming – vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, and mattress seams with a high‑efficiency filter. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and discard immediately.
- Furniture treatment – steam‑clean sofas, chairs, and cushions; steam temperature must reach ≥100 °C (212 °F) to ensure mortality. For non‑steam‑compatible items, isolate in sealed bags for two weeks.
- Hard surfaces – wipe countertops, door handles, and toys with an alcohol‑based solution (≥70 % isopropyl alcohol) or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Allow surfaces to remain wet for several minutes before drying.
- Environmental control – increase ambient temperature in rooms to ≥30 °C (86 °F) for 24 hours where feasible, as lice cannot survive prolonged exposure to heat above this threshold.
- Preventive monitoring – schedule weekly checks of hair and personal items for at least four weeks. Maintain a log of findings to detect re‑infestation early.
Complete the cycle by disposing of all empty product containers and cleaning tools used during treatment. Consistent adherence to these measures eliminates the infestation and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.