How to treat an apartment after lice and nits? - briefly
Wash all linens, clothing, and washable fabrics in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on the hottest setting, then seal non‑washable items in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and crevices, discard the vacuum bag, and apply a 0.5 % permethrin spray or steam‑clean surfaces to eradicate any remaining lice or nits.
How to treat an apartment after lice and nits? - in detail
A thorough decontamination of a dwelling after a lice infestation requires a systematic approach that eliminates both the insects and their eggs from all potential habitats.
Begin by removing clothing, bedding, and washable fabrics from the infected area. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag for transport to the laundry. Wash at the highest temperature the fabric can tolerate, then dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight containers for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse.
Next, treat all upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains. Vacuum every surface with a high‑efficiency filter, moving the vacuum nozzle slowly to dislodge hidden eggs. After vacuuming, immediately discard the bag or empty the canister into a sealed trash bag and remove it from the premises. For hard surfaces, wipe with a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or a comparable EPA‑registered insecticide, following the label’s contact time. Allow the treated area to dry completely before reuse.
Address personal items that cannot be washed, such as hats, hairbrushes, and shoes. Submerge in hot water (≥130 °F) for 10 minutes, or place in a sealed bag with a few drops of insecticidal spray, then store sealed for two weeks.
Finally, implement preventive measures to avoid re‑infestation. Keep all bedding and clothing in sealed bags for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment, maintain a regular vacuuming schedule, and educate household members on early detection signs. Continuous monitoring for at least three weeks will confirm the success of the eradication process.