Where does the clothing louse live? - briefly
The clothing louse inhabits the seams, folds and creases of garments, particularly shirts, underwear and socks, where it resides and reproduces. It only leaves the fabric to crawl onto the skin for a blood meal.
Where does the clothing louse live? - in detail
The clothing louse (Pediculus humanus corporis) inhabits the fabric and material that contact human skin. Adult insects and nymphs remain in seams, buttonholes, pockets, and folds where they are protected from external disturbance. Eggs are deposited on the underside of threads and within the stitching of garments, allowing them to stay attached during laundry cycles.
Typical environments include:
- Everyday clothing such as shirts, jackets, trousers, and underwear
- Bedding items, especially sheets and pillowcases that are not regularly washed at high temperatures
- Personal accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, and socks
- Luggage, backpacks, and suitcases that store infrequently cleaned garments
- Upholstered furniture and carpets in rooms where infested clothing is regularly placed
The louse prefers warm, humid conditions that facilitate feeding on human skin debris. Temperature between 20 °C and 30 °C and relative humidity above 50 % accelerate development. High‑traffic areas such as dormitories, shelters, and prisons present a greater risk due to shared clothing and limited laundering facilities.
Life cycle stages occur entirely within the garment matrix. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days, nymphs mature over 10–14 days, and adults live up to 30 days while continuously feeding. Because the insect cannot survive long without a host, removal of infested items, thorough washing at ≥60 °C, or dry cleaning effectively eliminates the population.