Q: My child has head lice and
my time is limited. Is it more important to pick nits or treat the
house for head lice?
A:
Your time is best used removing nits by proper combing with a metal nit comb. Lice die quickly if moved away from the head so cleaning the house or bedding has little positive effect on lice control. Clean bedding, bed clothes, hats, etc. as the last step in your control program.
Q: What is a "no-nit policy" and are these policies effective?
A: Many schools prevent students from entering the building if they exhibit signs of a head lice infestation. The sign most often used is the presence of nits, or eggs, in hair. If nits are found, or just suspected, the whole school may be subjected to inspection. Students that are believed to have nits are excluded from class and sent home for treatment.
The following questions about head lice come from parents and teachers. Please see the main articles about 