How to treat a room when lice are present? - briefly
Launder all bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat; vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor crevices, then seal and discard the vacuum bag. Seal the treated space for 24 hours, keep items in sealed bags, and repeat cleaning after a week to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How to treat a room when lice are present? - in detail
When lice have infested a living space, thorough environmental control is essential to prevent re‑infestation and to protect occupants. Begin by isolating the affected area. Remove all bedding, clothing, and fabric items that have been in contact with the host. Place these textiles in sealed plastic bags and wash them at 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 30 minutes; if the temperature cannot be reached, dry‑clean or seal the items for two weeks to starve the insects.
Next, treat hard surfaces. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, and floor mats with a high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to avoid cross‑contamination. Follow vacuuming with a steam‑cleaning cycle; steam at 212 °F (100 °C) penetrates fibers and kills both lice and their eggs.
For non‑steam‑compatible items, apply a certified insecticide spray that is labeled for lice control. Use a fine mist, covering seams, crevices, and the undersides of furniture. Observe the product’s safety interval before re‑entering the room, and ventilate the space for at least one hour after application.
Seal any removable items that cannot be laundered or treated—such as stuffed animals, plush toys, and decorative pillows—in airtight containers for a minimum of two weeks. This period exceeds the life cycle of the parasite, ensuring that any hidden eggs hatch and the emerging nymphs die without a blood source.
Finally, maintain a preventive regimen. Repeat vacuuming and steam cleaning weekly for three weeks. Keep the room temperature low and humidity reduced, as these conditions discourage lice survival. Conduct regular inspections of personal belongings and the environment to detect any resurgence promptly.