Head Lice Information and Solution Center
Head lice are bloodsucking, wingless insects. Pediculosis, the infestation of man by lice, has been documented for thousands of years. Lice are very host specific; human lice cannot be transmitted to or from pets or other animals. Like all insects, head lice have six legs. Lice cannot fly or jump; they move only by crawling. Head lice lay their eggs on hair shafts, usually within a quarter-inch of the scalp. These tiny white eggs, known as nits, hatch before the hair grows more than half an inch. Any nits farther than half an inch from the scalp are in all likelihood shells of eggs that have already hatched. They generally hatch within a week of being laid, but it may take up to a month after contact before any symptoms of itching begin.

How do you get head lice?
Direct head-to-head touching spreads lice. What are the symptoms of head lice?
Persistent itching or scratching at the back of the head or around the ears, along with scratch marks that may look like a rash is one of the first signs of head lice. A tickling feeling of something moving in the hair and sores on the scalp, usually caused by scratching.

How do I treat head lice and keep our family free of them at home?
Treat with a comb such as the MagiComb. After the lice are gone from family members, do the following to prevent re-infestation. Machine-wash all bedding, clothing, (including the clothing they are wearing), and towels. Then dry in hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Put all stuffed animals, pillows, dolls, hats, comforters and any other non-washable personal items in a plastic garbage bag and seal for 14 days. After 14 days, open the bag outdoors and shake items vigorously. Soak all brushes, combs and hair accessories in rubbing alcohol or scrub in hot soapy water. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum! Be sure to thoroughly vacuum all carpets and furniture, then carefully remove the vacuum cleaner bag and throw it out immediately.

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