Head Louse

Pediculus humanus capitis

Color: Skin color

Size: 2 – 3 mm

Shape: Flat and oval.

Nutrition: Feed on human blood

Habitat: Worldwide

Dr. Dennis D. Juranek, CDC - This media comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #377.

General Behavior

They are found in the hair and scalp. They do not leave unless treated.

Females lay 6 – 10 eggs per day. They become adults in 16 – 22 days.

They can live 24 – 48 hours without a host.

Threats

Their bites cause itching and rashes.

Itching can cause a secondary infection.

It can cause social isolation in children.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Itching, usually behind the ears, at the nape of the neck and along the hair.

Difficulty sleeping because they are more active at night

Seeing lice alive