April 2013

1. WHAT ARE HEAD LICE? The head louse, or Pediculus humanus capitis, is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head and, more rarely, the eyebrows and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the scalp to maintain their body temperature.   2. WHAT DO HEAD LICE LOOK LIKE? Head lice have a life cycle with three stages: EGG/Nits: These are lice eggs laid by the adult female louse at the base of the hair shaft near the scalp. The eggs are firmly attached to the hair shaft and are oval-shaped and very small and hard to see. Eggs vary in color from clear to light brown to yellowish-white. They are often confused with dandruff, scabs, or hair spray droplets. Eggs are usually located no more than 1/4 inch (0.635cm) from the base of the hair shaft. Nymphs: A nymph […]