Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp.
These insects lay eggs, called nits, which stick to hair very close to the scalp. Head lice do not spread disease. Head lice are very common in child care centres and schools because the lice spread easily among children who are together in one place. Having head lice does not mean children are not clean. Head lice spread via direct contact among children or indirectly on items such as hats, combs, hairbrushes and headphones.