Lice Facts and FAQs

How are head lice spread?
Head lice can be spread whenever there is direct head to head contact with an infested individual. Less frequently, lice may be also spread from personal items such as hats, hair ties, scarves, pillows, etc., although scientists disagree on how often this type of “fomite” transmission really occurs.

Can I get head lice from someone else’s pillow or hat?
Lice can not survive off of a human host much longer than 24-48 hours, and they are uniquely adapted to live in hair. They generally do not like to leave the protected environment created within head hair. If a louse did come off an infested individual and hide in a pillow or hat, it may be possible for the louse to infest another individual who uses the pillow or hat.

Do head lice jump?
No! Head lice do not jump or fly. They are good crawlers, however, and will readily move from one host to another.

Where do head lice come from?
Head lice come from other people who have head lice. Head lice are human parasites that have been in existence for tens of thousands of years. Dried up head lice and their eggs have been found on the hair of Egyptian mummies. They have adapted to be extremely good survivors.

Do pets get head lice?
No. Head lice cannot live on pets. Head lice can only live on human heads.

Do I have to treat everyone if only one person is found to have head lice?
It is very common for close family or friends of infested individuals to also have lice. It is suggested that you check everyone. You do not want to treat anyone who does not have head lice; however, we suggest you recheck everyone every few days for at least 10-15 days.

How do I treat my home?
Head lice are human parasites and require regular feedings of human blood to survive. Using fumigants or pesticide sprays in your home are unwarranted, and they pose environmental hazards. Vacuuming the carpet, washing sheets in hot water, throwing pillows into your dryer for 20-30 minutes, placing hair ties/hair brushes in a zip lock bag and place in the freezer for overnight or boil for 10-20 minutes should do the trick for you.

What are the symptoms of head lice?
Head lice are most commonly found on the scalp, behind the ears and near the neckline at the base of the head. Unless seen, symptoms of infestation are easy to miss: Tickling sensation or feeling something moves through the hair. An allergic reaction to the bites causes the itching. Viable eggs are usually located within 1/4 inch of the scalp. Eggs more than one-half an inch away from the scalp are usually not viable.

What are some steps I can take to help prevent and control the spread of head lice?
Avoid head to head contact such as during play, sleepovers or other activities at home, school, and elsewhere. Do not share, combs, brushes or towels used by an infested person. Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, hair ribbons or barrettes. Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person used or wore during the previous 2 days using a hot water laundry cycle and high heat drying cycle. Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control head lice and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Per the CDC, May 16,2008