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Pest Guide » Stinging and Biting » Human Head Lice:

Human Head Lice
Pediculus capitus
Color: Dirty white to grayish black
Legs: Six
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: Up to 1/8" long
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No

Human lice infestations known as "Pediculosis" affects people of all ages, whether rich or poor, from the Arctic to the Tropics and throughout history. Because younger children are more likely to wrestle, hug, sleep in close proximity, or share hats, clothing, brushes and combs, all of which can transfer head lice from person to person. The occurrence of head lice is fairly common among school-age children, particularly in elementary schools.

Infestations can cause persistent itching and scratching on the scalp. In severe situations, scarred, hardened, pigmented skin known as Parasitic Melanoderma or "Vagabond's Disease" may occur along with a rash and swollen lymph glands in the neck or under the arms.

Inspection of the hair by a hand lens or magnifying glass may reveal small, silvery louse egg cases (nits) attached to individual hairs and/or minute, grayish specks moving within the hair, usually at the back of the head and behind the ears.

Treatment should be made immediately since lice populations can spread rapidly and throughout the family, school and other close living quarters. Most lice that fall off the hair will not survive longer than two to three days, while nits can remain viable for up to 14 days off the human host. Lice do not survive on domestic animals such as dogs, cats, gerbils, birds.

Management
Proper sanitation is critical in lice control. All members of the family must be checked for lice. However, only those who are infested should be treated.

Once lice have been identified, prompt treatment is the key to effective control. Medicated shampoos, lotions and gels are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Several nonprescription products containing Pyrethrins include Rid, A-200, Pronto Conc., Inno Gel Plus, Pediculicide Liquid II, R & C shampoo, R & C Lice Treatment Kit, and Nix. *Please note that the above products all contain insecticides that, if not use properly according to package directions, can make you and your family very ill. Always follow package directions carefully. People with asthma, epilepsy, brain tumors, cancer or AIDS or those on medication, or who have been previously treated for head lice, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers may be more vulnerable to side effects and should avoid chemical lice treatments for use on themselves or applying them to others. Please see the Non-Toxic Control Plan listed below.

Special combs with teeth set close together are used to remove nits and adult head lice are preferred over insecticide treatment. These combs are available at pharmacies and pet shops (flea removal combs).

Thoroughly vacuum carpets, rugs, pillows, mattresses, etc. to remove fallen hairs with attached nits. Avoid close contact in unsanitary, crowded conditions when possible.

A pest management professional can do nothing to help in dealing with this insect and the premises do not require treatment. Non-infested family members should not share combs, brushes, hats, towels or bedding with an infested person until that person’s louse infestation has been eliminated.

Non-toxic Control Plan
Here is a nontoxic head lice control plan described in "Common-Sense Pest Control," an entomology textbook.

Shampoo with coconut-oil or olive-oil shampoo, such as Condition 3 in 1, Rave, St. Ives Swiss, or V05. Coconut and olive oils will kill lice. Rinse with water only as hot as the child can tolerate.
Shampoo again, leaving the lather on for 15 minutes with a towel around the head. Read or provide interesting activity.
Comb to get out snarls and suds. Then, with a nit comb under good lighting, comb one inch-wide sections of hair, starting at the scalp where eggs are laid. Keep hair wet, clipping finished sections aside. Clean the comb often with tissue, placing soiled tissues in a bowl of soapy water to dispose of in the toilet. Nit combs are available at most pharmacies.
When all the hair has been combed, rinse well with tolerably hot water. Heat with kill lice.
Dry hair. Check for stray nits or the gray to yellow eggs. Remove with tweezers or comb.
Soak comb 15 minutes in 2 cups of hot soapy water with one teaspoon of ammonia or boil metal comb for 15 minutes. Clean with floss or old toothbrush.
Repeat weekly, more often if necessary, for three to four weeks. Check often.
Wash clothes and bedding in hot water or place in a hot dryer for 30 minutes. BY SHAMPOOING AND CHECKING HEADS OFTEN AND BY TEACHING CHILDREN NOT TO SHARE HATS AND COMBS, YOU CAN HELP PREVENT HEAD LICE.

People with concerns or questions about head lice management can be referred to the National Pediculosis Association (NPA), a nonprofit health organization, dealing specifically with this problem.

You can visit the NPA Website for other helpful information and the latest news in head lice control and prevention.

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