There are two general categories of Lice: sucking and chewing. Both are parasites. Chewing Lice do not occur on humans.

Way back when, lice were responsible for millions of deaths in Europe and Asia. They were, and still, are carriers of Typhus, Trench Fever, and Relapsing Fever; serious diseases that are barely a part of the vocabulary of any culture today. Large populations of Lice built up in densely crowded populations or situations where regular personal hygiene was not possible. Lice traveled with armies. During the Bolshevik Revolution (1912-1917), three million Russians died from Typhus alone.

There are 56 species of sucking Lice in the U.S. Only two are of concern: the Head Louse or “cootie” and the Crab Louse. The Head Louse are actually two subspecies, but they are so similar looking that we will treat them here as the same pest. The other is called the Human Body Louse.

Most elementary school systems periodically inspect kids for Lice. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Mom or Dad to set up a little home inspection program; an ounce of prevention…….

Damage- Lice are parasites. Rarely, if at all, will they be found any place other than on your body, clothing or bedding. They are called Sucking Lice because they are blood feeders. Head Lice are not all that uncommon in crowded situations like an elementary school classroom. Kids tend to share things and are often in physical contact with other people, both at school and at home.

Identification- Sucking Lice are insects. They do not possess wings. They have six legs and short, stubby antennae. They are quite small 1/12” and are whitish colored. Head and Crab Louse are easy to tell apart. Head and Crab Louse gets its handle from the claw-like crab legs that it uses to move about and hold on to hair follicles.

Ecology and Life History- Head Lice are most-always associated with the head, but may also be found on other parts of the body. Crab Lice are found in the pubic region and armpits mostly. They can occur elsewhere on the haired portions of the body. They are sometimes found in beards and eyebrows. Their eggs are sometimes called “nits.” I suppose the term “nit picker” was derived from the practice of primate grooming.

Integrated Lice management- Even though Lice are disgusting body invaders, they are easy to control. There are three elements to an effective control program:

1) Inspection: Even though they are small, Lice are easy to spot. Nits are harder but look like dandruff-sized bumps attached to each hair.

2) Sanitation: Wash all clothes, bedding, combs, towels, etc.

3) Elimination: You can get a prescription shampoo from your physician. Follow the directions and in most cases you will repeat the process.