Head lice are frustrating, especially when they affect your kids. If your child has head lice, you may find yourself wondering if the lice have spread beyond their head to other parts of your home, like their bedding.
So, how long can head lice survive on bedding, really?
This article will give you the lowdown on how long lice and their eggs (nits) can survive on bedding and what you can do to get rid of them.
Understanding head lice and their habitat
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live only on human heads. As parasites, they need a human host to survive.
While having head lice can be a drag, it’s important to know that head lice aren’t caused by poor hygiene. Anyone can get them, no matter how clean they are.
The head lice life cycle
Head lice go through three stages: nit (or egg), nymph, and adult louse.
Nits are laid close to the scalp, about a quarter of an inch from it. If you’re dealing with head lice, understanding this life cycle is key to successful treatment.
The nits hatch into nymphs, which then mature into adult lice. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can take steps to get rid of them.
How long can head lice live on bedding?
It’s a question most people ask after discovering a case of head lice: How long can these critters live on bedding, furniture, or other surfaces?
Here’s what the science says.
Survival of adult lice off the scalp
Adult lice don’t live very long away from a human host. In fact, they can only survive for 24 to 36 hours once they’re off your head.
That’s because they depend on your body heat and a ready supply of blood to survive. Without those two things, lice don’t last long.
Survival of nits off the scalp
Nits, or lice eggs, can survive a bit longer than adult lice when they’re not attached to a human head. Nits can survive up to 10 days away from the scalp, although it’s unlikely they’ll hatch.
Nits need very specific conditions to hatch — they need warmth and humidity that mimics the environment of the human scalp. Bedding usually doesn’t provide the warmth and humidity nits need to hatch and thrive.
Why nits are unlikely to hatch on bedding
Head lice eggs – also called nits – need very specific conditions to hatch. If a nit is laid on your bedding, it’s unlikely to survive.
Nits must be kept at a constant, warm temperature, similar to the temperature of the human scalp. They also need a certain amount of moisture to keep from drying out.
Bedding just can’t provide the constant temperature and humidity that nits need. The temperature fluctuates too much, and it’s just not as consistently warm as your head. For the best chance of survival, nits must be laid close to the scalp – no more than a quarter of an inch away.
How to get rid of lice on bedding: Precautionary measures
To make sure you’ve eradicated any lingering lice or nits from your bedding, take these steps:
Wash bedding
Wash all the bedding in your house, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, in hot water that’s at least 130°F (54°C).
Then, dry the bedding on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
Vacuum
Vacuum your mattresses, pillows, and any upholstered furniture thoroughly.
Other cleaning methods
For items you can’t wash, consider sealing them in a plastic bag for several weeks. Lice can only live a day or two without a human host, so this will kill them.
When is additional cleaning necessary?
You don’t need to do a lot of extra cleaning. Many people think you have to wash and disinfect everything in your house, but that’s not true. You don’t have to go overboard cleaning bedding, toys, and furniture. The main thing is to treat the person who has lice. Killing the lice living on their head is the only step you need to take.
Tips for lice prevention and treatment
- Avoid head-to-head contact. Lice spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.
- Don’t share personal items. Avoid sharing hats, combs, brushes, and other personal items that could transfer lice.
- Check for lice regularly. Especially if there’s been an outbreak at school, check children’s hair frequently.
- Consider professional help. Some companies, like LiceDoctors, will come to your home and treat your family.
In Conclusion
While it’s unlikely that head lice will survive for long on bedding, you might still want to wash recently used sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water. Then, dry them on high heat. Or, you can seal them in a plastic bag for a couple of weeks.
Ultimately, though, the most important thing you can do is treat the person who has lice and take steps to prevent future infestations.