How To Control A Lice Infestation
A lice infestation is inconvenient, but it doesn’t pose a threat to your family’s health. If you do find yourself with an infestation in your home, then don’t panic! Head lice and nits can be killed with products that are available at pharmacies and a little elbow grease. We’ll explain how simple getting rid of head lice can be and show you how to keep them from coming back.
Head lice are parasites that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who already has head lice is at risk. The insects can also be spread by sharing clothing, brushes or towels. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting them. In fact, lice seem to prefer clean hair and can live on a person’s head for as long as thirty days. Nits are head lice eggs and appear as oval, whitish beads on the hair shaft. They are most commonly found behind the ears and at the back of the neck, but are rarely found on the body, eyelashes or eyebrows.
Scalp irritation or a crawling sensation in your hair may be a sign of an infestation. Adult lice are very small and fast, so you may not see them. Nits are far more visible. To remove the nits, use a metal lice comb, your fingernails or tape. Removing nits is essential to controlling an infestation. There are a number of very effective, over the counter treatments. Use the products as directed and don’t leave the head lice shampoo or rinse in hair longer than instructed because they can burn the scalp. Continue to remove any nits that remain and repeat the treatment a week later.
Once you’ve dealt with the lice infestation in your hair, cleaning your house is very simple. Wash all of your sheets, towels and recently worn clothing using hot water and dry them in a very hot dryer to wipe out any surviving lice and nits. A thorough vacuuming will take care of carpet and furniture since lice don’t live long without a host. Don’t forget to also clean the upholstery in your car. After that, educate yourself and your family about how lice prevention and how they are spread. They’re the kind of house guests that you never want to come back!
Because lice are so contagious, it’s important to let your child’s school know that you have a lice infestation. Lice are very common in child care centers and schools, so it’s likely that those are the sources. In an effort to control the spread of these pests, many schools send home information letters. Read them carefully so that you know what to watch out for and teach your kids not to share clothing, combs or hair brushes. Head lice information and prevention is key to keeping your home lice-free.
Published by Health Editor
