by Shirley Holmes
(UK)
QUESTION:
If we have not seen anything for a week or two, or longer, could there still be something lurking on a scarf or jacket or somewhere else, just waiting for that garment to be worn again?
ANSWER:
Hi, Shirley!
No. You don't need to worry about getting re-infested with head lice from clothing or anything in your house.
The lice can't live without feeding for long. So any that were stranded on clothing or furniture a week or two ago are long dead.
Lice will die within a day or two if not on a human host ... that's why, for household items like stuffed animals that can't be washed, setting them aside in a bag for 48 hours after treatment is enough to ensure they're safe to snuggle.
So glad you have been lice free for a couple of weeks! It's a good idea to do a thorough head check once a week from here on out - so if you ever pick up head lice again, you can catch it early.