What do lice look like in an apartment? - briefly
Lice are tiny, wingless insects about 2–4 mm long, with a flattened, oval body that ranges from tan to gray‑brown, often found in clusters on hair shafts, fabric fibers, or mattress seams. Their eggs, called nits, are oval, translucent, and firmly attached to the base of each strand, appearing as small white or yellowish specks.
What do lice look like in an apartment? - in detail
Lice that infest a residential unit are small, wing‑less insects measuring 2–4 mm in length. Their bodies are flattened laterally, allowing them to move easily through hair shafts or fabric fibers. The head is broader than the thorax, bearing six short, claw‑like legs adapted for gripping. Color varies from light gray to brown, often darkening after a blood meal; freshly hatched nymphs appear almost translucent.
The exoskeleton is composed of a hard, chitinous shell that gives a glossy sheen when viewed under light. Antennae are short, segmented, and typically hidden beneath the head capsule. Eyes consist of simple ocelli, not prominent to the naked eye. The abdomen is segmented, ending in a pair of spiracles for respiration.
In an apartment environment, lice are most commonly found:
- In the hair of infested occupants, clinging to strands close to the scalp.
- On bedding, especially pillowcases, sheets, and mattress seams where eggs (nits) are attached to fibers.
- Within upholstered furniture, cushions, and carpet fibers, where they may hide during off‑host periods.
- In personal items such as hats, scarves, and hair accessories that have been in contact with an infested head.
Nits are oval, about 0.8 mm long, and firmly glued to the base of hair shafts. They appear white or yellowish and are often mistaken for dandruff, but unlike debris they do not flake off easily.
Live lice move in a rapid, jerky fashion, often dropping from the host when disturbed. When crushed, they release a reddish fluid from their abdomen, indicating recent blood ingestion.
Detecting these visual cues—tiny, flattened bodies, attached eggs, and occasional blood stains—allows for accurate identification of an infestation within a dwelling.