Lice Fun Facts

  1. Head lice have been around since pre-historic times and even mummies have been found with evidence of head lice.
  2. Adult lice are commonly the size of a sesame seed.
  3. The most common way to get lice is by direct head to head contact with an infested individual; head lice cannot hop, jump or fly.
  4. A new strain of lice, termed super lice, now represent 98% of all infestations today. Super lice are resistant to drugstore treatment products, which also contain harmful chemicals and pesticides.
  5. It is a myth that lice only infest people with poor hygiene. It is a fact that lice actually prefer clean hair, and everyone is at risk.
  6. Only 50% of people with head lice will show common symptoms, such as scratching or irritations, so it is very possible to be infested and not know!
  7. Shaving your head will not treat head lice. The nymphs (baby lice) can embed in the scalp and they will still develop into adult lice if not properly removed.
  8. Because of their specialized claws, lice cannot move very well on surfaces other than human hair, and will die within approximately 24 hours after being off the host’s head.
  9. Lice can hold their breath for up to 2 hours, so washing your hair won’t drown them.
  10. It is a myth that traditional home remedies such as tea tree oil, mayonnaise, olive oil or coca-oil can either prevent or treat head lice. To reduce your risk use a professional lice prevention spray daily.
Head Lice