Where can lice live in a house? - briefly
Lice reside in locations where human hair contacts surfaces, such as mattresses, pillows, sofa cushions, clothing, hats, scarves, and carpeted areas that collect stray strands. They also hide in upholstered furniture, headboards, and any fabric‑covered items that provide a secure environment for laying eggs.
Where can lice live in a house? - in detail
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that require close contact with a host or a suitable micro‑environment to survive. Within a residence they are most frequently encountered in the following places:
- Scalp and hair – head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) reside on the hair shafts close to the scalp, laying eggs (nits) at the base of strands.
- Clothing and personal garments – body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) prefer the seams and folds of shirts, jackets, underwear, and socks, where they lay eggs directly on fabric fibers.
- Bedding and linens – sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers provide a warm, protected site for both head and body lice to drop from the host and hatch.
- Towels and washcloths – damp textile surfaces can harbor nits and newly hatched nymphs, especially when towels are stored in a moist environment.
- Furniture upholstery – sofas, armchairs, and cushions offer crevices that retain heat and humidity, allowing lice to survive between infestations.
- Carpet and floor coverings – dense pile carpets or rugs may retain shed nits and immature stages, particularly in areas where clothing is removed.
- Curtains and drapes – fabric panels that are rarely washed can accumulate detached eggs and provide shelter for migrating lice.
- Pet bedding and accessories – while lice are species‑specific, cross‑infestation can occur in shared environments where human and animal bedding are placed together.
Environmental factors that influence survival include temperature (optimal range 28‑32 °C), relative humidity (70‑80 %), and the presence of a host for blood meals. Lice cannot live for more than 24‑48 hours off a host, but their eggs remain viable for up to a week under suitable conditions. Regular laundering of textiles at temperatures above 55 °C, thorough vacuuming of carpets and upholstery, and prompt removal of infested clothing reduce the risk of persistent colonization.