What Are Lice?
| Nit-Wits Lice Treatment "The Natural Choice!" |
 | |  | |  | |  |
Lice, also known as Pediculus capitis, have been around for many thousands of
years. They are extremely contagious, especially where kids are found in groups
– schools, daycare centers, camps, parties, sleepovers, etc. It is estimated that
25% of children will get lice during their childhood and is the second most
common reason for school absence in the United States.
Lice are very small (1/32 to 1/16 of an inch), 6-legged, wingless parasitic insects
which live only on the human head. When fully grown they can reach 1/8 of an
inch. They do not live on pets or other areas of the body. They feed on human
blood and will starve if off the human head for 24-48 hours. Lice range from
reddish brown to gray in color.
A nit is a louse (singular for lice) egg that is attached to the hair shaft, usually
within 1 inch of the scalp. It is light colored and firmly attached to the hair. It will
not fall off the hair if flicked or combed. Dandruff, hair products or dirt can be
mistaken for a nit. The nit will hatch within 7-10 days and be fully mature from 9-
12 days after hatching. Prior to reaching maturity a louse is known as a nymph.
After hatching, the nymph must feed within 45 minutes or it will starve to death.
Lice are fast little buggers and can be difficult to spot on the human head. They
prefer the nape of the neck and behind the ears. More often the nits are more
readily detected than the lice. Lice do not like the light and will scurry to hide.
Persistent itching is the most common symptom of head lice. The itching can be
so severe that it disrupts sleep, making it very difficult to even fall asleep. Itching
is most common at the nape of the neck, and behind the ears. There may be tiny
sores on the scalp or nape of the neck due to the constant scratching. Some
people do not itch but can still have lice. Therefore, it is important to get checked
for head lice if you have these symptoms or have been closely exposed to a
known case of lice. It is vital that everyone in the household be checked for lice to
prevent continued re-infestation.
Lice are not dangerous and do not transmit disease. However, they do cause
severe itching which causes excessive scratching and possible open sores that
can get infected. Therefore, it is important to receive treatment as soon as
possible.
years. They are extremely contagious, especially where kids are found in groups
– schools, daycare centers, camps, parties, sleepovers, etc. It is estimated that
25% of children will get lice during their childhood and is the second most
common reason for school absence in the United States.
Lice are very small (1/32 to 1/16 of an inch), 6-legged, wingless parasitic insects
which live only on the human head. When fully grown they can reach 1/8 of an
inch. They do not live on pets or other areas of the body. They feed on human
blood and will starve if off the human head for 24-48 hours. Lice range from
reddish brown to gray in color.
A nit is a louse (singular for lice) egg that is attached to the hair shaft, usually
within 1 inch of the scalp. It is light colored and firmly attached to the hair. It will
not fall off the hair if flicked or combed. Dandruff, hair products or dirt can be
mistaken for a nit. The nit will hatch within 7-10 days and be fully mature from 9-
12 days after hatching. Prior to reaching maturity a louse is known as a nymph.
After hatching, the nymph must feed within 45 minutes or it will starve to death.
Lice are fast little buggers and can be difficult to spot on the human head. They
prefer the nape of the neck and behind the ears. More often the nits are more
readily detected than the lice. Lice do not like the light and will scurry to hide.
Persistent itching is the most common symptom of head lice. The itching can be
so severe that it disrupts sleep, making it very difficult to even fall asleep. Itching
is most common at the nape of the neck, and behind the ears. There may be tiny
sores on the scalp or nape of the neck due to the constant scratching. Some
people do not itch but can still have lice. Therefore, it is important to get checked
for head lice if you have these symptoms or have been closely exposed to a
known case of lice. It is vital that everyone in the household be checked for lice to
prevent continued re-infestation.
Lice are not dangerous and do not transmit disease. However, they do cause
severe itching which causes excessive scratching and possible open sores that
can get infected. Therefore, it is important to receive treatment as soon as
possible.
Lice Factoid:
The nit (egg) will hatch within 7-10
days and can begin laying eggs
after another 9-12 days.
The nit (egg) will hatch within 7-10
days and can begin laying eggs
after another 9-12 days.
Lice Factoid:
Lice have been found to develop
immunity to the pesticides used
to kill them. Don't put poisons on
your children's head! They don't
work, and they may harm your
children.
Lice have been found to develop
immunity to the pesticides used
to kill them. Don't put poisons on
your children's head! They don't
work, and they may harm your
children.
CDC Website photo
Nit-Wits
We come to you!
Serving California
(SF East Bay)
(925) 787-6020
We come to you!
Serving California
(SF East Bay)
(925) 787-6020
WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS!
CALL (925) 787-6020 FOR YOUR SAME DAY
APPOINTMENT.
Covered by some insurance companies!
CALL (925) 787-6020 FOR YOUR SAME DAY
APPOINTMENT.
Covered by some insurance companies!
| Copyright © 2008 Nit-Wits Lice Treatment All Rights Reserved Nit-Wits Lice Treatment P.O. Box 943 Danville CA 94526 USA |