Biting lice may live for a week off the host, as compared with 2 or 3 days at most for sucking lice. They move from animal to animal by contact or by crawling across walls and bedding. Eggs are glued to the hairs of the body, and usually hatch in less than 2 weeks. The young nymphs hatching from the eggs are similar in appearance to the adults, but smaller. A life cycle may be completed in about one month, and there are several generations per year.
Populations peak in the winter.
Control Recommendations Proper animal nutrition and disease management will reduce the impact of louse infestations. Return to Livestock Pests Factsheet Copyright Province of British Columbia All Rights Reserved.