Lice Facts and FAQ
Lice Lingo
Nit: egg
Nymph: baby louse
Lice: bugs
Louse: adult bug
Infestation: large case of lice with multiple lice cycles
Evidence: Lice and nits
Head lice (Pediculosis Capitis)
Head lice are tiny parasites that live on human hair, feeding on small amounts of blood from the scalp. They don't fly or jump, have 6 legs, and crawl to move around. An adult female louse lays 3-8 eggs (nits) per day, which attach to hair strands. Lice typically appear brown when freshly fed, but may appear translucent. Nits appear brown and hatch in 7-10 days, looking lighter after hatching.
Lice Life Cycle
Day 0: Nit laid
Day 7-10: Nymph hatches (approx. size of a flake of pepper)
Day 10-16: 3 molts (instars)
Day 16-19: Adult, starts laying eggs (3-8 nits/day approx. size of fruit fly)
Day 30-35: Adult lice dies
How nits appear on the hair strand.
What lice & nits look like
Under the microscope
Live nit, empty nit, adult female louse
Adult male louse
Not everything is lice!
Many people mistake stuff for lice when it's not. If you find white/yellow flakes, it's probably product buildup, cradle cap or dandruff. (lice evidence not pictured below)
Fun Fact
If a louse transfers to a new host and feeds on unfamiliar blood, it may die quickly. However, if it lays eggs before dying, the nymphs can survive on the new host's blood type.
Lice FAQ
How do I know if I have lice and if I do, how do I treat it?
Book an appointment TODAY with Med City Lice Specialists for a head check or treatment for fastest results. Text (507) 421-1924 for quickest response.
Check out Med City Lice online course "Complete Guide to Lice Prevention and Control.”
How do I get lice?
The only way you get lice is head to head contact and sharing brushes and combs.
Does it mean I am dirty if I have lice?
Lice like all hair, clean and dirty.
What can I do to prevent getting lice?
Keep hair up and don't share brushes and combs.
Can lice jump or fly?
Nope, lice do not have wings. Their claws are specially shaped to climb human hair.
Do lice carry diseases?
No, lice do not.
How long do lice live?
About 30-35 days on a human head.
Do lice live on furniture?
Lice can only be viable for 12 hours off of the head. It is unnecessary to clean furniture.
Can pets get lice?
No, human lice don't infest pets. Pets have a different blood type and hair structure.
Who should I tell if I have lice?
Everyone who is in contact with the infected person within the past month, should be notified. Contacts should include the school, child care and close friends and family. Be mindful to help keep child’s name confidential whenever possible to help prevent bullying!
Can I get lice from going to a pool?
No, lice do not swim. However, do not share towels or combs with friends at the pool.