Body Louse
Pediculus humanus corporis
Color: Gray-White
Size: 2.3 – 3.6 mm
Figure: Flattened from the back
Nutrition: Human blood
Habitat: Worldwide
General Behavior
They live at temperatures close to human body temperature. They need humans to live.
They live in the seams of clothes and bedspreads. Common in war, natural disasters or poor areas.
Females can lay 200 – 300 eggs in their lifetime. Their life cycle lasts 7 – 10 days.
They need 4 to 6 hours of blood sucking. They are active during the day and at night. They constantly disturb people.
They can survive up to 7 days without humans.
Threats
They transmit diseases;
Epidemic typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii).
Relapsing fever (Borrelia recurrentis).
Trench fever (Bartonella quintana).
Their bites cause itching, redness and skin irritation.
How Do We Recognize Infestation?
Increased itching and bites,
The appearance of lice on clothing and skin.