Frequently Asked Questions
Q - What are head lice?
A - They’re insects that make their home on human heads. They have six legs, but no wings, so they can’t fly. They can’t jump or hop either, so they crawl along the hair shaft and can be spread by direct head-to-head contact.
Q - What do lice live on?
A - Lice are parasites, which means they live solely on human blood - that’s why they love living on heads so much.
Q - I heard that only dirty people get head lice - is that true?
A - Not at all! In fact, lice prefer clean hair because they find it easier to stick to than dirty, oily hair. So if you have an infestation, it’s nothing to be ashamed of - you should take it as a compliment for having such lovely clean hair!
Q - Can lice live on my pet too?
A - No. They only live on human heads, so you won’t get lice from petting your dog or cat.
Q - Do adults get head lice?
A - Adults aren’t immune to head lice but it’s more common for children to catch them, especially from the ages of 3 to 11. That’s mostly because kids do more things that involve head-to-head contact, like playing games and having sleepovers.
Q - Are head lice dangerous?
A - Lice are an inconvenience but they don’t pose any risk to health. They don’t carry illnesses or diseases, so they won’t make you sick. But some people are allergic to their saliva, which is why they get itchy heads when lice visit.
Q - Can I treat head lice with over-the-counter products?
A - Many over-the-counter products for treating head lice contain toxic chemicals and pesticides. Lice have started to become resistant to these chemicals because so many people have used them for so long. Using these products can be dangerous, especially if you make a mistake or misread the instructions, so it’s much better to have your lice infestation treated by a professional. Contact me to arrange a home visit. I'll take care of the problem using only natural, non-toxic products.
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Q - Will washing and combing my hair get rid of the lice?
A - While they’re crawling around your head, lice lay eggs - known as nits - and attach them to the hair shaft with a special gluey substance. Washing and combing the hair won’t get rid of the glue, so it’s almost impossible to get the nits off the hair shaft. Plus, lice can hold their breath for nearly two hours - don’t try it! - and they hang onto the hair really tightly with their crab-like claws.