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Head Lice

Pediculus humanus capitis

Updated Jul 08, 2022

Make a Positive Identification

Species: Head Lice

Jim Occi, BugPics, Bugwood.org

Adult head lice are wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed. Their color ranges from tan to gray. They have claws that enable them to grasp hair shafts while they feed through needle-like mouthparts.

Species: Head Lice

Dani Barchana, Bugwood.org

Head lice crawl relatively slowly. They can’t ﬂy, hop, or jump. People become infested with head lice through direct contact with an infested object or person. Lice move between hosts through person-to-person contact.

Species: Head Lice

freemixer, iStock

Head lice also move between people on shared objects such as combs, brushes, headphones, and hats. School-age children are at higher risk. They are more likely to share such items.

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Head Lice Benefits

Head lice are an annoying human health pest. They don’t have any benefit for people or the environment.

Head Lice Risks

Head lice are specialized insects that live only on humans.
They cause itching, irritation, and embarrassment.
Head lice don’t transmit disease.
Scratching can lead to secondary infections.
Head lice are often found behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Severe infestations form scabby crusts on the skin where lice gather.

Risk Card

Does it cause harm?

Adults & Children

Very High

Property

High

Pets

None

Annoyance

Very High

Environment

None

Action Highly Recommended

Take Action

If you discover head lice on a person in your household, take action to get rid of them.

Do I need to take action?
Yes, take action for head lice infestations.

What if I do nothing?
Head lice won’t go away without action. The longer you wait to take action, the more difficult it becomes to get rid of head lice.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.

Solutions for Head Lice

Daily combing with a nit comb to remove nits and adult lice can be highly effective if done correctly.
However, these actions might not work on their own.
You might have to use medication available at stores. Other products are available with a doctor’s prescription.

Understand the Head Lice Life Cycle

Head lice require human blood to survive and reproduce.
After feeding, a female louse lays her eggs (nits) at the base of a hair shaft. Eggs are attached securely in place.
Nits are resistant to many treatment strategies. Nit removal and/or multiple treatments are required for effective control of an infestation.
The nits typically hatch into nymphs within 7–11 days. They have three immature stages before they become an adult.
Female head lice lay an average of 6–10 eggs per day. They lay up to 300 eggs in their lifetime.
The head lice life cycle takes about 3 weeks. After you discover head lice, plan to treat them for at least 3 weeks to get rid of the infestation.

Method	Does it work?	Is it safe?	Recommendation
A Daily Nit Combing & Cleaning Bedding / Personal Items	Effective	Low risk	Recommended
B Head Lice Treatments Available at Stores	Effective	Moderate risk	Recommended
C Prescription Head Lice Treatments	Effective	Moderate risk	Recommended
D If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
E Prevent Head Lice

Daily Nit Combing & Cleaning Bedding / Personal Items

Non-Chemical Method

KevinDyer, iStock

Daily Nit Combing & Cleaning Bedding / Personal Items

Recommended

Daily nit combing and cleaning bedding / personal items are required steps to get rid of head lice.

Does it work?	Effective Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?	High effort Nit combing requires daily effort until you get rid of the infestation. Cleaning bedding and personal items requires signification effort.
What's the risk?	Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals	NONE

Daily combing with a nit comb to remove nits and adult lice effectively controls lice.

KevinDyer, iStock

The most effective nit combs are made of metal and are specially designed for removing head lice and their eggs.

kozorog, iStock

Combing out nits is easier and more successful when hair is wet.

nit-Combing Details

Perform lice removal in a well-lighted area.
Use a metal lice comb to part and comb the hair.
Inspect the scalp (especially at the nape of the neck and behind and around the ears). Look for crawling tan insects or tiny eggs cemented to hair shafts.
It’s easy to mistake dandruff, hair product residue, and other debris for head lice. Look carefully for nits and tan insects.

Cleaning Bedding / Personal Hair Items & Vacuuming

Clean bedding and clothing used by the infested individual. Wash items in hot water (at least 140° F) and place them in the dryer for at least 30 minutes on high heat.
Dry-clean non-washable fabric items. Or place items in a sealable plastic bag in a freezer. Lice and eggs should be killed within 10 hours if items are held at 5° F or lower.
Clean hair-care items such as combs and brushes in warm, soapy water. Soak items in hot water (140° F) for 10 minutes. Don’t soak plug-in items such as hair dryers, curling irons, etc.
Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove fallen hairs that may carry nits.

Head Lice Treatments Available at Stores

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Whitney Cranshaw, Bugwood.org

Head Lice Treatments Available at Stores

Recommended

Head lice treatments available from stores contain active ingredients pyrethrins or permethrin.

Does it work?	Effective These products kill adult lice. However, they don’t control nits.
How much effort?	Moderate effort Treatments require repeat application. You must also perform daily nit combing.
What's the risk?	Moderate risk Insecticides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals	Using insecticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you: Get it on your skin Breathe it in Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands Touch surfaces that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children) Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Over-the-counter products for head lice control contain pyrethrins or permethrin. They only control adult lice.
Carefully read and follow label instructions when using lice treatment products.

Prescription Head Lice Treatments

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Comeback Images, iStock

Prescription Head Lice Treatments

Recommended

Prescription-only head lice products include benzyl alcohol (Ulesﬁa®), spinosad (Natroba™), and ivermectin (Sklice®).

Does it work?	Effective They are reported to be very effective. However, prescription products are expensive.
How much effort?	Moderate effort Nit combing is also recommended when using prescription products.
What's the risk?	Moderate risk Follow the instructions from your doctor to minimize risks.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals	Using medication includes some amount of risk. Follow the instructions from your doctor to minimize risks.

If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution

fizkes, iStock

Why Is It Important to Read Insecticide Labels?

They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
The provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.

Key Safety Tips for Insecticides

Read the entire label front to back. Follow the instructions.
Review the instructions even for brands you know.
Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
Use a magnifying glass.
Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants

Wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.

Protect Children & Pets
Keep out of the reach of children.

Keep children and pets away from the application area.
Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides. Wait until spray has dried or dust has settled.

Storage & Disposal

Store out of the reach of children and pets.
Store in a cool and dry place.
Never pour down any drain.
If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).