What to do with clothing lice? - briefly
Remove infested garments, seal them in a plastic bag, then launder at ≥60 °C or dry‑clean and vacuum the storage area; if cleaning is impossible, discard the clothing.
What to do with clothing lice? - in detail
Lice that have migrated onto clothing require immediate, systematic action to prevent re‑infestation and to eliminate the insects safely.
First, isolate the affected garments. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and keep the bag away from sleeping areas for at least 24 hours. This step removes the insects from the environment while you prepare treatment.
Next, apply heat. Wash the clothing in water that is at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 30 minutes. Follow with a high‑temperature dryer cycle lasting at least 20 minutes. Heat of this magnitude kills both adult lice and their eggs.
If the fabric cannot withstand high temperatures, use a freezing method. Seal the items in a plastic bag and store them in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for a minimum of 72 hours. Prolonged exposure to sub‑zero temperatures destroys the parasites.
For items that cannot be laundered or frozen, treat the surface with a suitable insecticide. Choose a product labeled for lice control on textiles, apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow the recommended drying time before handling the clothing again.
After treatment, inspect the garments closely. Use a fine‑toothed comb or magnifying glass to verify the absence of live insects and nits. If any remain, repeat the chosen method.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Store clean clothing in sealed containers, avoid placing garments on the floor, and conduct regular inspections of personal items, especially after travel or contact with infested environments.
By following isolation, heat or cold treatment, appropriate chemical application, thorough inspection, and preventive storage, clothing‑borne lice can be eradicated effectively.