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Only three of the 200 known species of sucking lice infest humans. They are the head louse, the body louse and the crab or pubic louse. Sucking lice are ectoparasites which feed on the blood of their host. They are flattened dorso-ventrally and their legs are adapted for clinging to the body hairs of their hosts.

The life cycles of the three human lice are very similar. The "nits" (eggs) are cemented to hairs (Crab and head lice) or to fibers and seams of clothing (body louse). The eggs hatch in 8 to 10 days (at 80-85 degrees F). Eggs fail to hatch if they are exposed to temperatures lower than 70 degrees F for 7 to 9 days. The louse nymphs (immature) feed on the blood of their host and molt three times before developing into sexually mature adults. After mating, the females begin to deposit small numbers of eggs each day for 20 to 30 days. A female crab louse deposits a total of about 30 nits. Head lice deposit 50-100 nits and body lice deposit 275-300 nits. The entire life cycle requires 21 to 27 days, and the adults live for 35 to 40 days.

Body Lice The body louse is not a common problem in Michigan. This louse lives in clothing that is in close contact with the body and they periodically visit the host to feed. The nits are cemented to the seams and fibers of the clothing. This louse is mostly a problem in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, especially when clothing is not changed regularly. This louse is responsible for the transmission of several human diseases, including epidemic typhus and relapsing fever. The body louse is nearly identical in appearance to the more common head louse, but differs in being larger in size (2-4mm) and uniformly grayish-white in color.

Head Lice The head louse commonly infests school-aged children, but is also found on adults. The head louse is 1-2 mm in length and grayish-white with dark areas along the side of the abdomen. The nits are firmly attached to the base of hairs, especially behind the ears and on the back of the neck. The adult lice may be found in any facial hair, but they are almost never found below the neck. Transmission of the lice is by direct contact with infested persons or by using infested articles (headgear, combs, brushes, hair rollers, scarves, and in rare instances upholstered chairs and bedding).

Crab Lice The crab louse is 0.8 - 1.2 mm in length and has a distinctive crablike appearance. This louse generally infests the pubic region, but in some instances may be found in other areas covered with coarse hairs such as armpits, beards, and eyebrows. The crab louse is primarily transmitted by sexual contact, although in rare instances they may be acquired from loose hairs on toilet seats and in bedding. The survival time away from the host is very short for crab lice.

Lice Control Contrary to popular opinion, anyone can acquire lice regardless of sex, race, economic status, family background and personal habits. The control of human lice begins with two important steps: regular inspections and proper identification of the louse species involved.

Infestations may be detected by the presence of the lice themselves or by other signs. Infestations cause intense itching and subsequent scratching and severe cases can cause scarred, hardened, pigmented skin ("vagabond's disease"). The fecal pellets from head lice may be seen on the shoulders, especially if light-colored clothing is worn. Lice may be detected by the nits attached to the hairs. However, old nits (hatched) will remain attached to hairs for a long time, and in fact they have been found on wigs. Old nits are pale and papery; new nits are yellow and opaque. Also, since the hair continues to grow after the eggs hatch the old nits will tend to be higher on the hair shaft. It is important to distinguish louse nits from scalp scales and this may require a magnifying glass.

Consult a physician. Every member of the family should be treated. Use Kwell 1% shampoo.Baby oil is also effective. Repeat in 2 weeks if needed. Do not get in eyes.

Practice proper personal hygiene. Avoid using other individuals' combs, hats, towels, or hairbrushes. Bedding and clothing should be changed and washed frequently. Sanitation of locker rooms, and proper laundering will help reduce the incidence of lice. Crab louse is usually transmitted through intimate sexual contact.

For a complete listing of suggested control options for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your local Extension Service, found under local government in the phone book.

Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label. Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have any concerns regarding your personal health risk. Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology



MSU 2003