Head Lice

Also known as:  Louse (singular name);  Pediculus humanus capitis;  Pediculosis

Head Lice are very small insects that can live on the human Scalp, where they feed on human Blood.  They cannot fly or jump.  Head Lice are gray or red-brown in color.  They can vary in size from 2 mm to 5 mm.  The eggs of Head Lice are known as nits and are white/clear in color.  Nits attach directly to the hair – at or near the hairline.

Head Lice have an approximate lifespan of 24 - 25 days.  Adult Head Lice each lay up to 150 nits approximately one week after they have hatched.  The nits hatch in 7 to 10 days.  After hatching they take 8 to 9 days to become adults at which time the female louse begins laying more eggs and the cycle repeats itself.