HairFactz General Information

Lice Aren't Nice!

Contents of this Article

Lice Aren't Nice The Life Cycle of Lice How Lice Spread How to Prevent Head Lice Are They Nits or Just Dandruff? 3 Step Head Check for Lice

12 Easy Nit Picking Steps Nit Combs That Can Help Non-Toxic Treatments to Use With Nit Picking Pesticide Treatment Products Clean Your Household Items For Additional Help About Lice

Clean Your Household Items

When your child has lice you must complete the nit picking process before you spend time and energy cleaning your home. Reinfestation of lice usually does not come from household items such as carpets or furniture. For some chronic (life long) cases, intense cleaning may be necessary.

Remember...

Off the head, adult lice usually cannot survive for more than a day or two. Nits (lice eggs) off the hair will die within hours of hatching if they can't find a meal. So, there is no point in cleaning every nook and cranny.

Pets do not carry human head lice. They do not need any special cleaning.

Evidence shows that lice sprays are not effective in killing lice or nits. They only put poisons into the air. Save your money and avoid buying lice sprays.

Things to Wash in a Washing Machine

Wash items listed below using very hot water or dry items in the dryer using high heat for 30 minutes. The heat will help kill the lice and nits. REMEMBER! HOT WATER OR HIGH HEAT.

• Bath towels
• Coats
• Hats and scarves
• Washable rugs
• Sheets, blankets, and pillow cases

Things to Sanitize

To sanitize the items listed below, soak the item in 1/4 cup bleach to 1 quart cold water for one hour.

• Brushes, combs, and special nit loosening combs
• Barrettes, other hair holders
• Detachable foam pads inside bike and sport helmets

Things to Vacuum

• Rugs and carpets
• Car seats
• Chairs and couches
• Pillows from a couch or bed (wash the pillowcases)
• Bed mattresses
• Stuffed animals in contact with head and neck

Another Cleaning Option

Items exposed to lice, such as stuffed animals, can be placed in a plastic bag and closed tightly for two weeks. During these two weeks the lice and nits will not have food (blood) and will die.

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The Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) does not endorse or promote any of the products mentioned. Details are provided for your information only! The information in this summary was gathered by the Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) and was reviewed by the Snohomish Health District. The Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition (LANCC) does not assume responsibility for the outcome of your treatment. January 2006.

References:
Washington State Department of Health - Lice Aren't Nice Community Coalition of Snohomish County (LANCC) - Publications - January 2006 - www.doh.wa.gov

This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory