You have observed them scratching or maybe you notice something in their hair? But how do you know if it is lice, and how do you go about the process of head lice removal?

Head lice are human parasites that survive on slight amounts of blood that is extracted from the scalp. Statistically head lice are most universal in children ranging between the ages of 3 and 12.

Girls are also more liable to get lice but that does not mean that boys are abstained from them.

Identifying head lice might be a little tough to do? For the most part most types of bugs do not reside on a person’s head. So, if you observe a bug about the size of a sesame seed and tan in color crawling on your child’s head, they most likely have lice? Nits which are the eggs that the lice lay are more difficult to identify. If you think you have identified a nit, you may, in fact, just be seeing a small piece of dandruff or dried on hair spray.

So how do you discern the difference?

If the white colored object that you’re looking at comes off quickly and easily from the shaft of the hair, it is more than likely just a flake of dandruff. If however, the spec is not so easily removed and it is a light yellow, tan, or brown in color, it is in all likelihood a nit. Once the eggs have hatched they will look white or clear.

It is now up to you to expel any lice or nits that are seen in the hair. The head lice  removal process can be done in a few different ways. Usually this is through the use of a medicated lice shampoo.

Another option is that while the hair is still moist, separate the hair into one inch blocks and comb from the scalp to the end of the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb. You’ll need to wipe the comb clean with every pass before moving onto the next section of hair. Depending upon the amount of hair, this procedure can take quite some time, so be ready. It is vital that you comb through the hair very meticulously.

You see, lice shampoos don’t always eliminate all of the nits, and as such this leaves open the possibility of a re-infestation. So, taking the time to thoroughly comb out the hair will reduce the chances of a future infestation.

Tweezers can also be an option for head lice removal. The tweezers option is executed in the same manner as if you are using an actual lice comb; by parting the hair into smaller sections.

Now, the question becomes after extracting the head lice and nits, where are you supposed to put them?

A great way to dispose of these insects is to stick them onto a piece of wide tape or making tape. Roll up the piece of tape onto itself once it is full… put it in an airtight Ziploc bag and throw it in the garbage.

Ridding lice from bedding, upholstered furniture or carpets can be done easily in a couple of ways. You can wash what you can in the washing machine on the hot cycle. Items that cannot be washed, may be tossed in the dryer for 20 minutes or so. Again, using a hot temperature setting.

Completely vacuum all of your carpets and furniture… and don’t forget about your car if your child has ridden home with you.