Frequently Asked Questions
Scratching for answers?
What are lice?
Head lice are human parasites that live entirely on your head.
Head lice are human parasites that live entirely on your head.
What are the signs of head lice?
Signs include: frequent scratching or feeling like there's something moving in the hair.
Signs include: frequent scratching or feeling like there's something moving in the hair.
How do I check for lice?
Head lice are very small and move very quickly. It's easier to confirm a head lice infestation by finding their eggs (nits). Get a good light and magnifying glass. Start by parting the hair and looking closely at the root. Look for tiny, oval shaped nits cemented to one side of the hair shaft. Nits stick like glue and are very hard to remove.
Head lice are very small and move very quickly. It's easier to confirm a head lice infestation by finding their eggs (nits). Get a good light and magnifying glass. Start by parting the hair and looking closely at the root. Look for tiny, oval shaped nits cemented to one side of the hair shaft. Nits stick like glue and are very hard to remove.
How do I get rid of them?
The safest and easiest way to get rid of head lice is by using the Wet-Combing Method. This method breaks up the life cycle by manually removing all live lice and nits before they can reproduce.
The safest and easiest way to get rid of head lice is by using the Wet-Combing Method. This method breaks up the life cycle by manually removing all live lice and nits before they can reproduce.
Why is manual removal so important?
Because pesticides only kill the live lice, the nits will continue to hatch and reproduce until you get them out. This is your most important step and this is also the most time-consuming. You can expect to spend about two hours per head every two to three days over the next two weeks. Leaving just one louse can cause complete re-infestation.
Because pesticides only kill the live lice, the nits will continue to hatch and reproduce until you get them out. This is your most important step and this is also the most time-consuming. You can expect to spend about two hours per head every two to three days over the next two weeks. Leaving just one louse can cause complete re-infestation.
How can I tell if I have a good lice comb?
You will need a comb with teeth that are at least 2" long to get through the entire thickness of the hair. If you can see spaces between the teeth of the comb or you can easily bend the teeth, it will not work for nit removal. Check to see that the comb is sealed where the teeth and the handle of the comb meet. If you can see a gap, do not use that comb as lice and nits can get caught in there and you risk re-infesting as you are combing
Does cutting the hair make lice and nit removal easier?
There is no need to cut the hair when dealing with head lice. Cutting the hair short or shaving the head can be quite traumatizing to the child. Working with a good comb is essential when the hair is thick, curly or long. If the comb is pulling the hair, it may be helpful to trim the ends to avoid any discomfort. Any pulling can also be avoided simply by remoistening the hair with water or applying more conditioner to the ends.
What should I clean?
Homes don't get head lice people do! There is no evidence that a major cleaning is necessary. Since head lice can only live up to 48 hours off the head, concentrate on areas where the infested person has been in the last two days. Blankets, toys, sheets, pillowcases, clothes, towels etc. should be washed in very hot water or place in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Vacuum furniture and car seats. "Dryclean only" articles or items that cannot be vacuumed, washed or dried can simply be set aside for 48 hours.
Homes don't get head lice people do! There is no evidence that a major cleaning is necessary. Since head lice can only live up to 48 hours off the head, concentrate on areas where the infested person has been in the last two days. Blankets, toys, sheets, pillowcases, clothes, towels etc. should be washed in very hot water or place in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Vacuum furniture and car seats. "Dryclean only" articles or items that cannot be vacuumed, washed or dried can simply be set aside for 48 hours.
Who should we notify?
You will need to contact your child's school, sports teams or anyone else who may have been in close contact with your child over the past few weeks. This is a very important step, and when caught early prevents community-wide outbreaks.
What can I do now to prevent re-infestions?
Early detection is the best prevention! Screen all family members once a week.
Do pets get head lice?
No, lice are human parasites which need human blood to survive.
No, lice are human parasites which need human blood to survive.
More questions? Email our lice specialist at liceadvice@lice911.com
Regardless of which treatment method you choose, manually removing all lice and nits is critical to ensure complete removal!