Where can lice be found? - briefly
Lice are primarily located on human hair and scalp, but they can also survive in clothing, bedding, and other items that maintain close physical contact. Certain species infest animals such as birds and mammals, inhabiting fur, feathers, or nests.
Where can lice be found? - in detail
Lice inhabit a range of specific environments that provide access to blood meals and suitable conditions for reproduction. The most common settings include:
- Human scalp: the primary habitat for head lice, which thrive in the warm, moist environment created by hair and skin secretions.
- Clothing and personal items: body lice reside in the seams of garments, bedding, and towels, moving to the skin only to feed.
- Pubic region: pubic lice are adapted to coarser hair and are typically transferred through close physical contact.
- Animal hosts: several species infest birds (e.g., feather lice) and mammals such as rodents, cats, and dogs, where they occupy fur or feathers.
- Nesting materials: lice associated with poultry or wild birds often occupy nests, feather linings, and nesting boxes.
- Institutional settings: crowded living conditions, such as shelters, prisons, or refugee camps, facilitate the spread of body lice due to limited hygiene resources.
Each population requires direct contact with a host for survival; off‑host periods are brief, limited to a few days at most. Environmental factors influencing presence include temperature (optimal range 28–32 °C), humidity (60–80 % relative humidity), and availability of suitable host hair or fur. Control measures target these habitats by eliminating infestations on the host and sanitizing clothing, bedding, and surroundings. Proper laundering at temperatures above 60 °C, regular grooming, and inspection of hair or fur are essential for interrupting the life cycle.