When head lice infest a household, concerns arise about their presence in bedding. While head lice primarily live on the human scalp, effectively addressing lice in bedding and other items is important for a thorough eradication strategy. This guide offers practical solutions and scientific insights to help manage lice in your home.
Lice Biology and Survival on Surfaces
Head lice are tiny insects that inhabit human hair, feeding on blood from the scalp. They cannot survive long without a human host; adult lice typically perish within 24 to 48 hours off the head due to lack of blood and dehydration. Nits, or lice eggs, are laid close to the scalp and require its warmth to hatch. Detached nits are unlikely to hatch or reattach, as they are generally not viable off the head. This limited survival outside a host means environmental cleaning is often less critical than treating the infested person.
Cleaning Washable Bedding
To remove lice and nits from washable bedding, hot water and high heat are essential. Address all items in contact with an infested person in the 48 hours prior to treatment. This includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters, and towels. Washing these items in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) kills lice and their eggs.
Following the hot water wash, drying items in a hot dryer for at least 20 to 30 minutes helps ensure eradication. The dryer’s high heat effectively kills any remaining lice or nits. Heat, rather than water or detergent alone, is the primary killer of lice in laundry. Regularly cleaning such items during the treatment period helps manage potential spread.
Addressing Non-Washable Items
For items that cannot be machine washed, alternative methods eliminate lice. Non-washable items, such as stuffed animals or decorative pillows, can be sealed in plastic bags. Keeping these items sealed for at least two weeks kills lice by starvation, as they cannot survive without a host.
Thorough vacuuming is recommended for carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and car interiors that contacted the infested person. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag contents immediately in an outdoor trash can. Professional dry cleaning is another option for non-washable items, as the heat involved kills lice and nits.
Ensuring Complete Eradication and Prevention
Treating the infested person’s hair is the primary step in resolving a head lice infestation. While environmental cleaning helps, it is secondary to addressing the infestation source on the head. All household members should be checked for lice, and infested individuals treated simultaneously.
Regularly checking the heads of all household members for several weeks after the initial treatment is recommended. Combs, brushes, and hair accessories should also be cleaned by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. Extreme measures, such as fumigation or chemical sprays, are generally unnecessary due to lice’s limited survival off the scalp. Consistent application of treatment and cleaning protocols helps ensure a successful outcome.