Time and time again we get calls, or people come in frazzled, having just finished spraying the house and furniture ” FOR LICE” , bagging everything not tied down, and planning to leave those things in the bags for 2 weeks or longer! STOP ! No spraying is necessary, not only is it potentially harmful and a pesticide, the sprays do no better than ordinary vacuuming of surfaces , and ONLY the surfaces that the infected person might have laid their head. If one does not lie on the bathroom floor, you do not have to vacuum the bathroom! Same goes for the kitchen, or garage. Learn more about our professional treatment process and how we eliminate lice in a single visit.
Lice can not live off the human head longer than 2-3 days, therefore the reasoning behind bagging things for 2 weeks is just wrong. Another thing, there is no need to use a bag at all. Please just take the items that the head may have been in contact with, and set it apart, even just in a room that can be left closed for 2-3 days. No items need to be washed! The heat of the dryer for 30 minutes on its highest setting is all that is needed to kill lice and nits. Remember, the louse always prefers to stay on a head, because they need the warmth and the blood supply. Rarely will you catch lice or become re-infested by a louse waiting for a head to return! Head to head contact is the primary way lice spread. So, in summary , don’t “OVER KILL” on cleaning and bagging. It is far simpler than the awful tales people tell! If you’re ready to take action, book your appointment at Lice Lifters of Union County today. Check out our related article on How Long Does Lice Treatment Take? Timeline Compared for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if it is lice or just dandruff?
Dandruff flakes easily brush away from the hair, while lice nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are small, oval-shaped, and often yellowish or white. If you are unsure, a professional head check can provide a definitive answer.
Q: Can lice spread through water or swimming pools?
Head lice can survive in water by clinging tightly to hair strands, but they do not swim or spread through pool water. The CDC notes that chlorine in pools does not kill lice. However, sharing towels or brushes at the pool can lead to transmission.
Q: Do lice prefer clean or dirty hair?
Head lice do not have a preference for clean or dirty hair. Lice are attracted to the warmth of the human scalp and feed on blood, regardless of hygiene. Getting lice is not a reflection of cleanliness or personal habits.
Q: Can my pets get head lice from my child?
No, human head lice cannot live on pets. Lice are species-specific, meaning human lice can only survive on human hosts. You do not need to treat your pets or worry about them spreading lice within your household.
Q: Is itching always a sign of head lice?
Not always. Some people with lice experience little or no itching, especially during the first few weeks of an infestation. Itching is caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva, and up to 50% of people with lice may not itch at all. Regular head checks are the most reliable way to detect lice.
We proudly serve families in Cranford, Elizabeth, and Elizabethport and surrounding areas. Contact us today for professional lice treatment services.
