Banishing Lice - A Step-by-Step Guide to a Lice-Free Household

Dealing with lice in the household can be a stressful experience, but with the right approach, you can effectively eliminate these pesky parasites. Lice can only survive without a human host for a short period, but their nits take longer to hatch, making it crucial to follow these steps for a comprehensive solution.

Deep Clean Clothing and Linens: Machine wash all clothing and bed linens your baby touched in the last two days before treatment. Use hot water and high dryer settings for at least 20 minutes to ensure the elimination of lice and their eggs.

Isolate Non-Washable Items: Seal stuffed animals, comforters, and unwashable clothing in plastic bags for two weeks. Alternatively, heat-treat them by placing them in a hot dryer for 30 minutes, following the National Pediculosis Association's recommendation.

Sterilize Combs and Brushes: Soak combs and brushes in rubbing alcohol for an hour or wash them with soap and hot water to get rid of any lingering lice or nits.

Thoroughly Vacuum: Vacuum the entire household, including the floor, furniture, and car interior. Pay special attention to your baby's car seat. Avoid using insecticidal sprays, as they can be toxic when inhaled.

By diligently following these steps, you can create an environment that is hostile to lice and ensure a lice-free home for your family.