FAQs

What is Head Lice?

  • Head lice are tiny, wingless insects (about the size of a sesame seed) that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. The three life stages are egg (nit), nymph, and adult.

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How are head lice transferred?

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Head lice can’t jump, fly, or swim.

  • Direct head-to-head contact is the primary route of transmission, especially among children during close play.

  • Less commonly, lice can spread through shared personal items that touch the head (combs, hats, headphones, hair accessories), but lice survive only briefly off the scalp. ‍


How long does lice live off the head?

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  • Lice bugs need human blood in order to survive. We believe lice lives up to 36 hours once removed off the head.

  • The nit (egg) die immediately once they are pulled off the hair.


What can I do to prevent head lice?

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  • Avoid direct head-to-head contact with anyone who has lice.

  • Do not share hair-related personal items.

  • Check and professionally treat to reduce spread.

  • Keep girls’ hair pulled back & use lice repellant spray.