Head Lice Frequently Asked Questions

What you need to know about head lice.

CALL THE LICE HOTLINE FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AT 1-888-984-3042

WHY ARE OVER-THE-COUNTER LICE TREATMENTS NO LONGER EFFECTIVE AND WHAT ARE SUPER LICE?

Scientists released findings that showed that lice, now called “Super Lice” have developed a resistance to the traditional over-the-counter head lice treatment products in the United States, including New York and Connecticut. Super lice evolved because of repeated exposure to the chemicals in the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) products over nearly 50 years! Repeated exposure builds resistance, not only to that particular treatment but to virtually all similar products. Licenders technology and process kills 100% of lice, including “Super Lice” every time…we promise!

Where do head lice come from and how did my child get them?

Head lice have been around for thousands of years. Head lice crawl, but they can’t jump or fly. Transmission of a head louse from one person to another is by direct head-to-head contact. This often happens within a family or among children who have close contact at school or play. Indirect transmission of lice can also spread from one person to another by the following items:

 

  • Hats and scarves
  • Brushes and combs
  • Hair accessories
  • Headphones
  • Pillows and Blankets
  • Furniture
  • Household pets, such as dogs and cats, don’t play a role in spreading head lice.

How do you know that you have lice?

The most common symptom of any type of hair lice is itching, caused by the lice biting the scalp. However, you may not feel itchy right away, especially if it’s a light infestation. You may not notice any symptoms for up to six weeks. In addition to intense itching, lice can cause other symptoms, such as:

 

  • a tickling feeling of something moving on your head or hair
  • sores that develop from scratching
  • irritability
  • difficulty sleeping
  • red bumps on your head or neck
  • the appearance of lice eggs (nits), or small white objects in your hair

 

Lice eggs are also called “nits.” They appear on hair shafts and are difficult to brush out of the hair.

What is the lice lifecycle and what do lice and nits look like?

In order to learn how lice spread and how to get rid of them, you’ll need to understand the lice life cycle. Lice develop in three stages: nit, nymph, and adult louse. Adult lice are the easiest to spot because they are larger, but at the size of a sesame seed, they are still quite small. Lice varies in color, based on the color of your hair, they blend in well. Lice eggs, called nits, are attached directly to individual hair strands. Nits are extremely small, they look like tiny specks and are glued securely to the hair. If you can’t easily pull them off they are probably nits and not dandruff.

 

  • Nits: Oval-shaped lice eggs that are laid by an adult female near the base of the scalp.
  • Nymphs: When a nit hatches, a nymph is born.
  • Adult louse: A fully grown louse will reach 2.5-3 mm in length.

Do you have to clean the house after a lice infestation?

Typical house cleaning often doesn’t get rid of the lice once they have taken hold, and head lice can still thrive in a clean home.

 

Clean the following:

 

  • Bedding, Pillows, Mattresses, and Headboards
  • Stuffed animals, throw pillows, and blankets
  • Couches, chairs, and rugs
  • Hair brushes and accessories
  • Outerwear and clothes
  • Hats, helmets, backpacks and headphones
  • Bathrooms

How quickly can I get in for screening and treatment?

Licenders is available for appointments 7 days a week.​

How long before my child can go back to school?

Because our lice removal treatment kills all lice and nits (eggs) in one treatment, your child can be back at school on the very same day.

What if lice come back...do you offer a guarantee?

Yes! Our heated air treatment is the most effective process for killing all the lice and nits. After your treatment, we will schedule  you for a complimentary follow-up ​visit within one week to make sure that your child has not been re-exposed.  (Hey! Somebody gave them lice to begin with!)

Are your lice treatments safe?

Our head lice treatment is safe​ and effective for everyone – children​ and adults.

Can I purchase Licenders professional head lice products that you use in your treatments?

Yes, our non-toxic head lice products are available to purchase here.

Do you do house calls?

Yes! House calls are a great way to have your entire family screened and treated in the comfort of your home. We usually can get to you the very same day.

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