While not common, wigs can become susceptible to pest infestation under certain conditions. Wigs do not provide an ideal long-term environment for most pests, but temporary presence or transfer is possible. This article provides information on potential pests, how infestations occur, and methods for detection, prevention, and treatment.
Understanding Potential Pests
Several types of pests could be found in wigs, though their ability to survive and reproduce varies. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are small, wingless insects that live in human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. Adults are about the size of a sesame seed and range from tan to grayish-white. Their eggs, called nits, are tiny, oval-shaped, and firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Lice require the warmth and moisture of the human scalp to survive and lay eggs, typically dying within one to two days if separated from a host, and nits cannot develop on a wig.
Mites are another group of tiny, insect-like organisms, some of which can irritate humans. Various types of mites, such as dust mites, can occasionally be present in wigs.
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects known for feeding on human blood, usually at night. Adult bed bugs are flat and oval-shaped, about the size of an apple seed when unfed, becoming more balloon-like and reddish-brown after a blood meal. Their eggs are pearl-white and about the size of a pinhead. Bed bugs do not typically live in hair but can hitchhike on items like clothing or luggage, and thus could potentially transfer to a wig.
Pathways to Infestation
Wigs can become infested through several mechanisms, primarily involving direct or indirect contact with existing pest populations. Head lice transfer most commonly through head-to-head contact with an infested person. If a wig is worn by someone with an active lice infestation or comes into direct contact with infested hair, lice could temporarily transfer to the wig.
Improper storage practices can also contribute to a wig’s exposure to common household pests like dust mites or bed bugs. Leaving a wig exposed in an unclean environment, instead of storing it in a sealed container, increases the likelihood of dust and contaminants that might attract pests. Sharing wigs or other personal items, such as brushes, combs, or furniture, that have come into contact with an infested person or environment can also facilitate pest transfer.
Detection, Prevention, and Treatment
Detecting pests in a wig involves careful inspection and awareness of certain signs. For head lice, visible signs include itching on the scalp, a tickling sensation, or the presence of nits (eggs) firmly attached to hair fibers, particularly near the base. Adult lice and nymphs can be difficult to spot as they move quickly. For bed bugs, signs might include small, reddish-brown fecal spots, shed skins, or the bugs themselves, often found in crevices or seams.
Preventing infestations involves consistent hygiene and proper storage. Regularly clean your wig according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using wig-specific shampoos and conditioners. Ensure the wig is completely dry before storage to prevent mold or mildew, which could attract pests. Store wigs on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain shape and promote airflow, or in a breathable bag or box. Also, avoid sharing wigs, brushes, or other hair accessories to minimize pest transfer, and maintain good personal hygiene by regularly checking your own scalp.
If a wig is suspected of infestation, immediate action is important. For lice, if live lice or viable nits are found, remove the wig. Sealing the wig in a plastic bag for at least two weeks can help ensure any remaining lice or nits die. Alternatively, wash wigs thoroughly with warm water and a wig-safe shampoo, using a fine-toothed lice comb to remove nits or dead lice.
For bed bugs, professional cleaning may be necessary, or seal the wig in a bag for an extended period, as they can survive without feeding for several months. Addressing any underlying personal or environmental infestations is also important to prevent reinfestation.