How are head lice spread?

Head lice are mainly spread through head-to-head contact.  In children, contact is very common during play.  Reading books together, playing video games, sitting next to friends on the bus or in group activities at school are all examples of how children can come into close contact with an infested person.

A less common way is to get lice from inanimate objects such as clothing, brushes, furniture, hats and pillows.  Since life can only live off of the head for 24 hours, the chances are lower that you would get lice this way.

Head lice do not have hind legs or wings which make it impossible for them to fly or jump.

What are the signs and symptoms of lice?

The most common symptom is itching which is normally caused by the lice bites.  Other symptoms include but are not limited to swollen glands, a rash on the back of the neck, a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, and sores on the head.

How long do head lice live?

A louse can live up to 30 days on the head.  There are three stages of development for lice, nits, nymphs, and adults.

Nits are the eggs of the head lice.  Nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft with a glue like substance.  Nits are commonly mistaken for dandruff.  Nits take 5-7 days to hatch.

Nymphs are baby lice.  They mature into adults after 5-7 days and are able to start laying eggs.

An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed.  They have six legs and are tan to grayish-white. 

How many eggs can a head louse lay a day?

Each female louse lays 8-10 eggs each day. 

Are over the counter lice treatments effective?

Over the counter lice shampoos only kill the adult and adolescent bugs by attacking the central nervous system of the lice.  Because the nymphs don't have fully developed nervous systems, they cannot be killed.  In addition, lice shampoos do not kill nits.  So as soon as the nits hatch, the cycle starts all over again.

Can my pet get lice?

Lice only live on the human head so there is no need to treat your pet.

How long will the treatment take?

The treatment on average will take about one hour per head depending on length and infestation.

How much does your service cost?

We charge $85 per hour, per head.  Our prices are lower than local competitors.