Is it easy to get lice?

No. Lice are spread by head-to-head contact and are much harder to get than a cold, the flu, ear infections, pink eye, strep throat or impetigo.

Is avoiding lice is important because they transmit disease?

Lice do not spread any known disease, nor are they impacted by hygiene. Getting head lice is not related to cleanliness of the person or his or her environment.

How many people get head lice ANNUALLY?

Reliable data on how many people get head lice each year in the United States is not available; But, an estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years of age.

Can head lice live a long time AWAY FROM A HUMAN HOST?

Head lice need a blood meal every few hours in addition to the warmth and humidity of the human scalp to survive. When off the human body, in optimal conditions, they cannot survive for more than 24 to 36 hours.

Can nits (lice eggs) fall off a person’s head, hatch, and cause another person to get lice?

Nits are glued to the hair shaft by a cement-like substance and are very hard to remove. When a nymph is hatched, it must quickly have the warmth and food source of a head to survive.

Will Cutting a person’s hair prevent head lice infestations?

The length of a person’s hair does not prevent head lice infestations.

Can one get head lice from sitting at a desk next to someone who is infested with head lice?

Head lice are spread through direct head-to-head contact. The lice do not hop, jump, or fly, so sitting near someone with head lice does not increase the risk of getting the lice.

Do lice infest schools?

Transmissions in schools are rare. It is more common to get head lice from family members, overnight guests, and playmates who spend a lot of time together.

Are lice commonly spread through hats, helmets, or headphones?

Although the spreading of lice through hats, helmets, or headphones is possible, it is rare. It is more common for transmission to occur from pillows, hairbrushes, or bedding. Transmission primarily occurs through head-to-head contact.

Should schools and child-care facilities screen all children for head lice, so everyone can be treated and the spread of head lice will be prevented?

Having regularly scheduled mass screenings does not reduce the incidence of head lice.

Will “No-nit” policies reduce the risk of head lice in schools and child-care facilities?

Research shows “no-nit” policies do not decrease the number of cases of head lice. They do increase the risk of incorrect diagnosis of head lice, the number of days children are out of school, and negative social stigma associated with head lice.

They also may hinder academic performance.

Can one get lice from a dog, cat, or other pet?

Head lice are specific to humans. You can get human lice only from other humans. You cannot give your pets lice.

Should I Use a household spray to kill the lice?

No. Using fumigant sprays or fogs is NOT recommended. Fumigant sprays and fogs can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin and they are not necessary to control head lice.

Do I need to fumigate my house?

No. Use of insecticide sprays or fogs is NOT recommended. Fumigant spray and fogs can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin and they are not necessary to control head lice.

Routine house cleaning, including vacuuming of carpeting, rugs, furniture, car seats, and other fabric covered items, as well as laundering of linens and clothing worn or used by the infested person is sufficient. Only items that have been in contact with the head of the infested person in the 48 hours before treatment need be considered for cleaning.

Should I wash bed sheets and clothes after finding lice?

Washing, soaking, or drying items at a temperature greater than 130°F can kill both head lice and nits. Dry cleaning also kills head lice and nits. Only items that have been in contact with the head of the infested person in the 48 hours before treatment should be considered for cleaning.