What should you do with combed-out lice? - briefly
Place the extracted lice in a sealed bag or container and dispose of them by flushing or discarding in the trash. Clean the comb and any surrounding surfaces with hot, soapy water or an appropriate disinfectant.
What should you do with combed-out lice? - in detail
When lice are removed with a fine-toothed comb, they must be dealt with promptly to prevent re‑infestation. First, collect the insects as they fall onto a tissue or disposable container. Seal the material in a plastic bag, expel the air, and discard it in an outdoor trash bin. This eliminates any chance of the lice hatching or crawling back onto the scalp.
Next, sanitize the comb. Submerge it in hot, soapy water for at least five minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly. For added safety, soak the device in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for ten minutes, rinse well, and allow it to air‑dry.
All bedding, clothing, and personal items that have contacted the head should be laundered in water no cooler than 130 °F (54 °C) and dried on high heat. Items that cannot be washed may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period sufficient to kill any surviving lice or eggs.
Finally, inspect the scalp after each treatment session. Continue combing daily for at least one week, discarding any new catches using the same disposal method. Persistent detection of live insects after this period indicates a need for a medicated treatment or professional consultation.