Frequently Asked Questions

What are head lice?

lice are small insects that live on people’s heads and feed on human blood. Head lice may be found anywhere on the head, but are usually found on the scalp, along the neckline and behind the ears.

What are the symptoms of head lice?

You may get a tickling feeling on your head. When lice bite the scalp, it may cause itching and sometimes redness. Itchiness does not always mean that a person has head lice as other things can cause an itchy scalp. It is also possible to have head lice and not have any symptoms.

How can you tell if a person has head lice?

At least one moving head louse (singular for lice) must be found on the head. Finding eggs or nits does not mean that a person has active head lice. Other things can cause an itchy scalp, so itchiness alone does not mean a person has head lice.

Who gets head lice?

Anyone with scalp hair can get head lice. Head
lice may also be found on people’s eyebrows and eyelashes. It is more common among young children attending child care facilities and elementary schools as well as household members of children who have head lice. Clean hair offers no protection against getting lice. Head lice are not a symptom of poor hygiene.