Head Lice

Category: Fleas, Ticks & Lice

Scientific Name: Phthiraptera

 

Identification:

Color: Dark white, gray, or black

Size: 1/16 to ⅛ inch long

Region: Found throughout the world

Life span: 30 days

Important Considerations:

  • Head lice feed off of blood by attaching to human hairs. They must feed 24 hours a day.
  • Female lice each lay 50-100 eggs so lice populations can increase rapidly.
  • Lice can be spread by head to head contact or sharing of brushes, combs, hats, or jackets.

 

Where to Find Them on Your Property?

Head lice are found almost exclusively on human heads within the hair. They are most often found near the ears and on the back of the scalp. Lice cannot survive for more than 24 hours without a host.