How to Kill Lice & Nits

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that are commonly spread in schools between children. When a child has head lice, they can spread from family member to family member laying eggs, which are called nits. Getting rid of the lice and their nits is important in preventing future infestations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Specialty lice-killing shampoo
• Fine toothed comb
• Bleach
• Spray bottle
• Washer
• Dryer
• Carpet and upholstery shampooer

1. Wash the hair of all of your family members with a specialty lice-killing shampoo whether they show signs of having head lice or not. Rid brand lice shampoo is the most popularly marketed brand of lice-killing shampoos on the market. However, your family physician can prescribe a special shampoo if you have sensitive scalps and allergies.

2. Wash all of the linens and clothes in your home on the hottest setting your washer allows.

3. Dry all of the clothes and linens in your home on the highest heat setting.

4. Shampoo all of the upholstered furniture, the carpets, drapes and mattresses in your home with a shampooer.

5. Spray couch cushions, mattresses and other hard-to-wash areas with a mixture of 2 parts water to one part bleach.

6. Comb through your family members' hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove clinging nits from their hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Commercial lice shampoos can cause severe allergic reactions. Check with your family physician before using it.

References

• Headlice.Org