How to Get Rid of Lice at Home
First thing’s first, treat the family members infested with lice. Next, you can focus on cleaning your home! It can seem daunting at first, but you can do it, simply follow these steps:
STEP 1 – Use an effective lice treatment
The most important part of getting rid of lice at home is to treat the infested person with a head lice treatment. Using a lice treatment and careful combing will result in successful lice removal. Be sure to follow all directions as instructed and follow up with a second application within 7-10 days to be sure all lice have been killed.
After using most head lice treatments, you must comb the hair to remove the dead lice and nits as part of the process. Use a nit comb specifically designed to remove the lice and nits. Carefully and slowly, starting at the nape of the neck and moving forward, work in small sections. Applying a conditioner or detangler before combing may be helpful because many lice treatments can cause the hair to be dry and brittle.
Some products may kill the nits, such as Licefreee Spray!. In this case, combing may not be necessary, but still may be required by your child’s school. If your school has a no-nit policy, your child cannot return to school until every louse and egg is removed from his or her hair.
Self-treatment is not a good idea, as a second person is required to effectively comb-out lice and eggs. However, if you need to self-treat to get rid of head lice, Licefreee Spray! is a good option since nit removal is not required for it to be successful.
STEP 2 – Cleaning the home.
Cleaning up after a head lice infestation can seem like a big job, but it is necessary to get rid of lice at home:
- Wash all bedding and clothing that the infested person has been in contact within hot water (at least 130° F). After washing, run all items through the dryer at the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes.
- Consider dry-cleaning items that cannot be washed and dried at home.
- Treat pillows, mattresses, bedding, and other surfaces with a product made to treat furniture, such as Licefreee! Home
- Soak all hair care items (such as combs, brushes, and hair clips) in hot water (at least 130° F) for at least 15 minutes.
- Vacuum your home thoroughly including the mattress and furniture the infested person has been in contact with.
Using bug bombs or garden insecticides in closed areas of the home is not recommended.
