Where do lice stay? - briefly
Lice inhabit the hair or fur of their hosts, attaching to individual strands close to the scalp or skin where they feed on blood. They can also be present in clothing, bedding, or other items that maintain direct contact with the infested area.
Where do lice stay? - in detail
Lice are ectoparasites that remain on the bodies of their hosts. Adult head‑lice inhabit the scalp, clinging to hair shafts close to the skin where temperature and humidity are optimal for feeding. They spend most of their time near the base of the hair, moving only to feed or lay eggs. Nits (eggs) are cemented to the hair shaft about one centimetre from the scalp, a location that protects them from removal and provides the warmth needed for embryonic development.
Body lice differ in habitat. They reside in the seams of clothing, especially undergarments, and only move onto the skin to feed. Their eggs are laid in the fabric, where they remain attached until hatching. This behaviour allows them to persist in environments where clothing is not changed regularly, such as crowded living conditions.
Crab lice (pubic lice) occupy coarse body hair—pubic, facial, or chest hair. They attach to the base of each hair strand, where the thicker shaft offers a secure anchor and a suitable microclimate.
Off‑host survival is limited. Lice can endure for a few days on personal items like combs, hats, or bedding, provided the environment remains warm and humid. Their lifespan away from a host drops sharply as desiccation and temperature fluctuations increase.
Key points of lice location:
- Scalp – hair shafts near the skin, for head lice.
- Clothing seams – fabric folds, for body lice.
- Coarse hair – genital, facial, or chest hair, for crab lice.
- Egg attachment sites – hair shaft (1 cm from scalp) or fabric seams.
- Temporary refuges – combs, hats, bedding; survival limited to 24‑48 hours under optimal conditions.
Understanding these specific habitats is essential for effective detection and control measures.