Evening and Weekend Appointments Available!

Call or Text 24/7 815-412-5108 | 855-LicePro

Know Your Enemy: The Lifecycle of a Head Lice

July 16, 2016

A common problem for kids, head lice are wingless insects that feed on minute amounts of blood taken from the scalp. They live among human hair and can multiply in an alarming rate. Although lice are not dangerous, their bites can irritate the scalp and cause annoying itchiness.

Lice removal can be frustrating as they are highly contagious and can have various hiding places within the home. Don’t wait for lice to pass from one person to another; the earlier you deal with a lice problem, the better your chances are of getting rid of these parasites swiftly and effectively.

Egg or Nits. Lice eggs or nits are can be seen as tiny dots, usually colored brown, tan, or yellow. They are usually found close to the scalp and cannot be removed by brushing. Once the nits hatch, the shell turns white and remains attached to the hair strand.

Nymphs. A nymph is a newly hatched louse that is almost invisible to the naked eye. It becomes an adult after 12 days.

Adults. Colored tan or grayish-white, the adult lice typically lasts for 28 days and can lay up to 4 to 10 eggs daily—ensuring continuous infestation if not treated.

Head Lice Life Cycle | BiologyFacts on Lice Removal in Chicago—From Detection to Effective Treatment