What Are Lice and Where Do They Come From?

🧠 Introduction: Understanding Lice

If you've found a lice egg in your child’s hair—or even just suspect an infestation—you’re not alone. Every year, millions of families deal with head lice, often asking the same questions: What exactly are lice? Where do they come from? And how can I get rid of them fast?
Lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. While they aren’t dangerous, they’re persistent—and they spread quickly, especially among school-aged children.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: from how lice form, to how they spread, to how to treat them effectively. Whether you’re Googling “lice removal near me” in a panic or just want to understand the lifecycle of a lice egg, this post will give you the facts—and your next steps.

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🔬 What Are Lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasitic insects that feed on small amounts of human blood and live close to the scalp. They are about the size of a sesame seed and move quickly but cannot jump or fly.
Lice go through three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. The full life cycle can last up to 30 days on the scalp. Without a host, lice usually die within 24 to 48 hours.

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🥚 What Do Lice Eggs (Nits) Look Like?

Lice eggs—called nits—are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that lice glue to the hair shaft near the scalp. They’re often mistaken for dandruff, but unlike dandruff, they don’t flake off easily.
Fresh nits are yellowish-white and darken as they mature. You’ll most often find them about ¼ inch from the scalp. Because they’re sticky and small, removing every lice egg by hand is crucial for success.

🌍 Where Do Lice Come From?

Lice don’t come from dirty homes or poor hygiene. They’re human parasites passed by direct contact. The most common way to get lice is through head-to-head contact with someone who already has them.
Lice can’t live on pets or spread from animals to humans. They don’t live in dirt or carpets for long. Their only environment is the human scalp.

🔄 How Lice Spread

- Head-to-head contact (most common)
- Sharing combs, hats, headphones, or bedding (less common)
- Group activities: sleepovers, camp, school, sports

A single female louse can lay dozens of eggs in her lifetime, making early detection and treatment important. Once transferred, lice begin feeding and reproducing quickly.

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🧪 How Long Can Lice Live?

Head lice live about 30 days on a person’s scalp, and during that time, a single adult female can lay as many as 6 to 10 eggs per day. If a louse falls off a person, it dies within 1 to 2 days due to lack of warmth and blood. Nits (lice eggs) can survive off the scalp slightly longer, but they won’t hatch in cooler temperatures and without a host.
This is why lice don’t spread easily from carpets or furniture—but direct contact is still a high-risk source of infestation. Understanding the lice lifecycle helps highlight the importance of thorough, professional lice removal.

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📸 What Does a Lice Infestation Look Like?

Parents often notice something is off before they see actual bugs. Here are signs to watch for:
- Lice eggs (nits) that look like tiny sesame seeds glued to the hair shaft
- Small red bumps or scabs from scratching
- Seeing lice eggs on fingers after touching the scalp
- Finding tiny dark specs (lice feces) on pillows or shirt collars

If you see any of these, don’t panic—schedule professional lice removal and let an expert assess the situation.

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😣 Symptoms of Lice Infestation

Common signs of lice include:
- Itchy scalp (especially behind ears or at the nape of the neck)
- A crawling or tickling feeling
- Small red bumps or sores from scratching
- Seeing live lice or nits near the scalp

Not all children itch, so regular checks are important, especially after close-contact events

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💬 Real-World Parent Advice

“I had no idea what lice eggs looked like until a LiceDoctors technician showed me under the light. I thought it was just dandruff. I’m so glad we didn’t wait—she was calm, kind, and got us lice-free in one visit.” — Jenna, mom of 3, Ohio

Hearing from other parents reminds us: you’re not alone. Lice is common. What matters most is how quickly and effectively you respond.

📚 The Science of Lice Eggs: Why Nits Are So Hard to Remove

Lice eggs, or nits, are not just casually laid on the hair—they are cemented in place with a glue-like substance that lice produce. This natural adhesive is water-resistant and incredibly strong, making it difficult to dislodge without proper tools.
Even after lice treatment, nits that remain stuck to the hair can hatch and restart the infestation. That’s why professional lice removal includes a meticulous comb-out using a fine-toothed metal lice comb designed to pull out even the most stubborn eggs.
At-home plastic combs or fingers simply can’t remove nits with the same effectiveness. That’s why so many parents find themselves in a frustrating cycle—thinking the lice are gone, only to have them return days later.

🧒 Why Children Are More Likely to Get Lice

Children are far more likely to get lice than adults, not because of poor hygiene, but because of how they interact. Kids are naturally affectionate and curious—they lean in close during play, hug their friends, share headphones, hats, and even brush without thinking twice.
School and daycare settings are hotspots for lice transmission. Group reading time, shared lockers, and sleepovers all create perfect opportunities for lice to crawl from one scalp to another.
LiceDoctors technicians often report seeing cases spike after holidays, summer camp, or the first week of school—all high-contact situations. That’s why regular scalp checks and education can make such a difference in reducing outbreaks.

🔁 Can You Get Lice Again? Understanding Reinfestation

Yes, you absolutely can get lice again—even after successful treatment. Lice don’t provide immunity, and a new infestation can start anytime your child is exposed to someone who has lice.
Reinfestation is especially common in environments where one untreated case lingers. That’s why it’s crucial that schools, camps, and friend groups communicate about outbreaks.
Professional lice removal services like LiceDoctors include follow-up instructions to help families prevent reinfestation. Our technicians also teach parents how to check for lice and what to watch for, so any new cases can be caught early—before they spread.
If you’ve recently treated lice and your child begins itching again, don’t panic. Call a trusted lice clinic near you and ask for a head check. Early intervention is key to keeping your home lice-free.

🧴 Why DIY Treatments Often Fail

Over-the-counter lice shampoos may not kill lice eggs, and some lice have grown resistant to their active ingredients. Even with repeated use, if you miss a single lice egg, the cycle starts over.
Many parents spend hours combing, treating, and cleaning—only to discover more lice days later. That’s why many families turn to “lice removal near me” searches to find professional help.

🧑‍⚕️ Why Choose Professional Lice Removal

Professional services like LiceDoctors offer:
- Chemical-free, natural lice treatment
- Expert comb-outs and strand-by-strand nit removal
- In-home convenience and discretion
- 99%+ success rate

Trained technicians come to your home with all supplies needed and provide a clear aftercare plan. No guesswork. No rushed appointments.

📍 Finding Lice Treatment Near You

Searching for “lice clinics near me” or “lice removal near me”? Here’s what to look for:
- Experienced, certified lice removal professionals
- Transparent pricing and guaranteed service
- Flexible appointments (evenings/weekends)
- In-home vs. clinic-based options

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LiceDoctors operates nationwide, bringing safe, effective lice treatment right to your door.

🛡️ Preventing Reinfestation

After treatment:
- Avoid head-to-head contact for a few days
- Do simple cleaning: wash pillowcases, brushes, and towels used in the last 48 hours
- Teach kids not to share hats or combs
- Do follow-up checks as recommended

Your technician will give you customized prevention tips based on your situation.

✅ Final Thoughts: Get Help, Get Relief

Lice are frustrating—but they don’t have to be forever. When you spot a lice egg or hear that familiar school notice, don’t panic. Call the professionals.
LiceDoctors has helped over 600,000 families with safe, natural, and effective in-home lice treatment. We’re here to give you back your time, your confidence, and your peace of mind.
📞 Call 800-224-2537 or visit [https://www.licedoctors.com/](https://www.licedoctors.com/) to schedule your appointment today.

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