Identification and Head Lice Information

What are Head Lice?

Lice or Pediculosis are small, grayish-white, wingless bugs, about the size of a sesame seed. They have six legs and can look darker on people with dark hair. Head lice live on human blood by biting the scalp. Lice lay oval, hard, whitish nits (eggs), on the hair shaft, usually less than one-half-inch from the scalp.

What are Nits?

Often nits can be mistaken for dandruff or droplets of hair spray. Nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft with a natural glue substance. Lice are usually found behind the ears, and near the neckline at the back of the neck, or the nape. Head lice are rarely found on the body, eyelashes or eyebrows. The main problem caused by lice is severe itching from their bites. A telltale sign is a tickling feeling of something moving on the head. If the skin is broken from scratching, infection can occur.

Head Lice Infestation...

The life of a head louse is about a month. The female will lay eggs on the hair shaft at the rate of approximately 4 per day. These eggs hatch in 7-10 days. Within another 10 days, the newly hatched louse can begin the cycle all over again. With human blood to live on, during their 30-day life span, it is not unusual for female lice to lay close to 100 nits. Although it is arguable how long an adult head louse can live without blood, some claim it is as long as 2 - 5 days without being on a person. Nits can survive for up to ten days before they will hatch.

We're infested - What now?!

If you think you have a head lice infestation you must ACT NOW! Start by taking advantage of the tips you find on this website and order Lice Ice today. Overnight shipping is available.

Lice Information Links:

1. Indentify lice
    
2. Combing lice
    
3. Lice Spread
    
4. Treat head lice
    
5. Prevent head lice
    
6. Frequently Asked Questions