A very important head lice fact – head lice do not live in your home! Ineffective treatments, false advertising and a lack of understanding head lice are what propagate this myth and others.
When you purchase head lice treatment you naturally assume its going to work, right? Unfortunately there are a lot of products on the market today that are ineffective for various reasons. As a result you never fully kill and/or remove all the lice, nymphs or nits.
Companies who market products and or services geared to the treatment of your home further this myth. This is nonsense! Head lice DO NOT live in your home.
HOW ARE HEAD LICE TRANSMITTED?
Head lice are typically transmitted by head-to-head contact. An everyday example being, two children sitting on the couch, head-to-head, watching a movie on a shared device or two individuals taking selfies. The longer their hair, the easier to initiate transmission.
Today’s technology is the #1 reason for the spread of head lice. Job security as we like to call it!
If your child has head lice, they came from someone! Siblings and friends are the typical culprits. Someone else has it; and likely more than one. Remember, your child has had lice for 2-4 weeks before you ever noticed it.
TALK TO YOUR INNER CIRCLE
It is important that you talk with their friend’s parents, whom your child has been in contact with, so they can also be properly checked. If not, you’re setting yourself up for another infestation.
When head lice return, parents naturally assume they must’ve come from their house because they’ve never been properly educated.
HOW DO I PREVENT HEAD LICE?
- Instruct your children on the importance of personal space.
- If your child has longer hair, make sure they keep it in a bun or braid while around other kids, at school or summer camp.
HOW DO I DETECT HEAD LICE EARLY?
- Perform periodic head checks while your children are in school or attending summer camp or sleepovers.
TELL ME ABOUT LICE!
Head lice are a parasitic insect and need a host to survive. Unfortunately, us humans are that host! Head lice can not survive without us.
Head lice feed every 3-4 hours by excreting a saliva to extract blood from the human scalp. An allergic reaction to the saliva is what will cause some to itch.
Once head lice are off their human host for more than 12 hours they become dehydrated. Once dehydrated, they no longer have the ability to feed and typically die in 24-48 hours. For that reason, head lice do NOT want to be off their human host.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY HOME?
- Wash your child’s bedding, towels, hats or any clothing with hoods and dry on HIGH heat.
- Brushes, combs, ponytail holders and other hair accessories recently used should be placed in a resealable bag and placed in the freezer for at least six hours.
- Vacuum any chair, couch or area where your child recently sat. It is unlikely you will find anything but will provide you with added assurance and peace of mind.
