The tiny parasites known as head lice attach themselves to hair on the human head and feed off blood via the scalp. While they cannot fly, they can crawl onto items like towels, sweaters, blankets and hair accessories and this is typically how transmission happens. They are not known as disease transmitters and as such, they are not considered a public health hazard. However, an infestation of head lice requires treatment and it can be prevented.

Head Lice Control

Highlighted below are some tips that can be used for head lice control:

• Use a good-quality lice removal comb to check everyone in the family.
• Only treat for lice when an individual is infected. Family members who are not infected should not be treated.
• Pesticide-based shampoos should be avoided

• Shampoo Hair with Regular Shampoo

1. Divide wet hair into small segments using clips and tackle each section separately.
2. Use a good-quality, fine-tooth metal comb.
3. Ensure the scalp is thoroughly combed, putting the eggs and lice in a container with soapy water.
4. A number of individuals have reported that the process is easier when they use conditioner and leave it in the hair.

• Environmental Sprays Should Not Be Used for Head Lice

1. They are pointless and if used improperly, could pose a health risk.
2. People are infected by lice, not the home.
3. After 24 hours, these parasites cannot survive without human blood.
4. Nits cannot survive unless they have human blood immediately after they hatch.

• Padded furniture and carpets should be vacuumed to eradicate lice that may have been deposited on them or hairs with attached nits.

• To destroy both nits and live lice, place items like pillows, bed linens and stuffed animals in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.

1. It used to be recommended that items like stuffed animals should be bagged for several weeks to assist in controlling infestations; however, this has been deemed unnecessary.
2. Lice crawl and cling; they do not hop or jump.
3. If a louse is left behind on a head rest, pillow or in a hat, it could infect another individual who places his or her head in that spot. Vacuuming gets rid of any escapee.

• Do not use treatments as a means of prevention. Lice cannot be effectively or safely prevented by shampooing with either alternative or chemical treatments.

• Do not use insecticidal shampoo to treat pets for lice as it is potentially harmful. Lice cannot survive on pets; therefore, there is no reason to believe that they may be on your pet.

• Practice Early Detection

This can be done by using a good-quality comb to make weekly head checks. Detecting and removing live lice or nits early can minimize the infestation and the process only lasts for a few minutes. Check around the back of the neck, behind the ears, where hair is parted and around the bangs as lice seem to prefer these areas.