Qustions & Answers

How many eggs can lice lay?

One louse can lay up to 10 eggs a day. An egg takes 7-10 days to hatch. A nymph is a baby louse. A nymph takes 7-10 days to mature into an adult louse. Only adults can lay eggs. The dark brown eggs are the newly laid eggs. Nymphs are transparent, except for a dark center. They are extremely difficult to spot and are flush on the scalp. Tweezers or nails are needed to remove them.

Why do I have eggs and not bugs?

Bugs only live 30 days. They are not as hardy as eggs, which stick to the hair. Also, it’s possible to miss the bugs even with combing, but if you have eggs, you had to have bugs at some point.

How long have I had lice?

Basically, the more they have, the longer they have it, but it’s very hard to tell. If you just have bugs, than you just got it.

Can lice live on any other part of the body?

No.

Will the lice go away if I cut my kid’s hair short?

It has to be a buzz cut so the head is no longer a warm and hospitable place.

Why do they like the ears and the nape of the neck?

Because that is where the hair is thickest and therefore warmest.

How come I have lice if I’m not itching?

Not everyone itches.

What do I do with bike helmets or headphones?

Put in a bag for 2 weeks.

Do I need to have my rugs steam cleaned?

No, vacuuming is enough.

Do I need to wash all my clothes?

Just the ones you wore during the time you have had lice.

What should I do with things I can’t put in the wash, like a wool sweater?

Put in a bag for 2 weeks.

What should I do with jackets, hats, pillows or things that I don’t want to wash?

Put in the dryer for ½ hour.

What do I do with brushes?

Boil for 20 minutes, soak in rubbing alcohol, or put in a sealed bag for 2 weeks. Label all brushes so they are not shared. Do not share beds, pillows, or hats.

Should I vacuum the couch?

Yes, and put a sheet on it so you can just take the sheet off and wash it at the end of the day.

Do dogs get lice?

No.

Can my American Girls dolls get lice?

No, they feed on blood, not human hair.

What do I do with hair accessories?

They can be boiled, soaked in rubbing alcohol for 20 minutes, or put in a sealed bag for 2 weeks, which gives the bugs time to die, and the eggs time to hatch and then die.

How do I prevent my child from becoming re-infected?

Always have girls wear their hair up, in a ponytail, and then braid the ponytail, and then put in a bun. There should be no hanging hair. As an extra precaution, spray entire head and bun with hairspray. A child should never put on another child’s hat, barrette, headband, or helmet.

Does tea tree oil repel lice?

No, although any oil like olive oil or baby oil, could deter lice from laying eggs on the hair, if you do not already have lice.

How do I prepare for your appoinment

Please have hair brushed.
Please remove all oil, mayonaisse and any gel or soap from hair before treatment. A little dishwashing liquid mixed in your shampoo can remove most oil from hair.