What should be done about clothing lice? - briefly
Remove and bag all infested garments, then wash them in water ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat; for items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight plastic for at least two weeks or treat them with an approved louse‑killing spray.
What should be done about clothing lice? - in detail
Clothing lice infestations require a systematic response that combines immediate eradication, hygiene practices, and environmental management.
First, confirm the presence of lice on garments. Examine seams, cuffs, and folds with a magnifying lens; live insects appear as small, tan‑brown bodies moving quickly. Remove any infested items from regular use.
Next, treat the contaminated clothing. Wash all affected pieces in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle of 30 minutes or longer. For fabrics that cannot endure heat, place them in a sealed plastic bag for 72 hours; lice cannot survive without a host beyond this period.
After laundering, apply a residual insecticide that is approved for fabric use, such as permethrin‑based spray, according to label instructions. Ensure even coverage, especially on seams and pockets. Allow the product to dry completely before handling the garments.
Implement preventive measures to stop re‑infestation:
- Store clean clothing in sealed containers or garment bags.
- Rotate laundry cycles so that items are not worn consecutively.
- Maintain personal hygiene; shower and change clothes after exposure to potential sources.
- Inspect clothing before each use, focusing on shared or public items (e.g., uniforms, workwear).
If the problem persists despite these actions, seek professional pest‑control services. Technicians can treat larger environments—locker rooms, storage closets, and laundry facilities—with appropriate insecticides and heat‑treatment equipment.
Finally, document the steps taken, including dates of washing, temperatures used, and any chemical applications. Review the record regularly to verify that no new lice appear and adjust the protocol if recurrence is observed. This comprehensive approach eliminates the current infestation and reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks.