Adult lice are spread mainly by direct contact with infested people or by using infested articles such as hats, wigs, hairbrushes, combs, towels, scarves and hair rollers. Even using the same bed or sitting on upholstered furniture that an infested person used can spread lice. Head lice are usually not found below the neck of an individual but have been recorded in armpits and even the chest. Usually children under 12 years of age are more sensitive to lice feeding than any other age group. Head lice can survive off the host two to three days.
Proper sanitation is critical in lice control.
All members of the family must be checked for lice. Hair should be washed frequently, bedding and undergarments machine laundered, clean clothing worn and the premises thoroughly vacuumed. Laundering, using hot water, or dry cleaning infested bedding and garments will kill all kinds of body lice. Adult lice are killed in five minutes and the eggs in ten minutes in 125 degree F. water. Regular changes to properly laundered clothing will soon eliminate body lice.