Where do household lice live? - briefly
Household lice inhabit the human scalp and hair, feeding on blood and laying eggs attached to hair shafts. Body‑dwelling lice reside in the seams of clothing and the folds of bedding where they can access the host’s skin.
Where do household lice live? - in detail
Household lice, also known as body or head lice, occupy environments that provide direct contact with human skin and hair. Their presence is limited to areas where they can feed, reproduce, and remain protected from desiccation.
The primary sites include:
- Scalp and hair shafts of individuals, especially where hair is dense and warm.
- Clothing and personal items such as hats, scarves, and headgear that touch the head.
- Bedding materials—pillows, blankets, and mattress covers—where lice can transfer during sleep.
- Upholstered furniture, particularly sofas and armchairs that receive frequent human contact.
- Carpets and floor coverings in rooms where occupants sit or lie for extended periods.
- Pet fur, when animals share close physical proximity with humans, can serve as a temporary refuge.
Eggs (nits) are firmly attached to hair shafts or fabric fibers close to the skin. The proximity to a blood source is essential; therefore, lice avoid locations that lack warmth or moisture. Ambient humidity above 50 % and temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C create optimal conditions for survival and development.
Transmission occurs through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing contaminated personal items. Indirect spread via infested bedding or furniture is less common but possible when infestations persist for weeks without treatment.
Control measures focus on eliminating lice from all identified habitats: thorough washing of clothing and bedding at ≥60 °C, vacuuming upholstered surfaces, and applying approved topical treatments to the scalp. Regular inspection of hair and personal items helps detect re‑infestation promptly.