How Long Can Head Lice Live on Clothes?
Head lice, or pediculosis capitis, is a common problem for people of all ages, especially school-aged children. Just a few of these tiny insects can quickly spread through households and even entire schools. But how long can head lice actually survive on clothes?
Life Cycle of Head Lice
Head lice go through five different life stages before they reach adulthood – egg, nymph, adult, dead egg, and dead adult. Head lice eggs are very small and almost impossible to see and will stick to your hair very strongly. Nymphs hatch from the eggs with an empty stomach and must feed on human blood in order to grow into adults. They mature in seven days and live an additional two to three weeks.
Adult head lice are the most common life stage to find and can live on humans for up to 30 days. They feed several times a day and will lay eggs at the base of the hair follicles. Dead lice eggs and adults are generally not found on a person, but can be found in combs, hats, and other objects.
How Long Can Head Lice Live on Clothes?
Adult head lice cannot survive for long on clothing. They need to attach themselves to a human host in order to feed and reproduce. Without a host, they can only survive for a few hours at most. Dead head lice eggs, however, can live on clothing and other objects such as combs, hats, and furniture for up to 10 days.
Preventing Head Lice
The best way to prevent a head lice infestation is to avoid sharing objects and personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, and towels. Also, make sure to regularly wash your clothes and bedding in hot water and dry on the highest setting. Additionally, vacuuming carpets, furniture, and curtains can help remove any dead eggs or lice that may have been shed on them.
Treatment for Head Lice
If you think you have head lice, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. Treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter medications: These contain chemicals that can kill head lice and their eggs. They must be applied to the hair and scalp and usually require more than one application to be effective.
- Prescription medications: These are stronger than over-the-counter medications and may require fewer applications. Some require only one application to be effective.
- Natural remedies: These use home remedies such as vinegar, olive oil, and mayonnaise to smother the lice and their eggs.
Head lice can live on clothes for a few hours at most, so it is important to be vigilant about preventing an infestation. If you do suspect head lice, it is essential to seek medical treatment right away.