You will usually discover nits rather than live lice crawling around; the eggs take up to two weeks to hatch once they are laid. After that, the shells remain and look white on the hair root. Adult lice are about the size of watermelon seeds and are usually tan or white. Nymphs are smaller, and if not cleaned away, they will lay eggs continuously every three weeks.
When removing lice, be careful to dispose of them properly. They can survive for two days once removed from the scalp and have the potential to return to the nearest source of blood and warmth, i.e., another family member.
How To Avoid Lice
Because lice are easily transmitted from person to person, they can spread quickly, which is why schools send out a notice to every parent. Other common gatherings like childcare, nursing homes, sporting activities and camps are particularly susceptible to breakouts.
Lice are mainly spread via head or hair contact. That means if a child shares a hat with an infected person, then he or she may pick them up. Here are four tips to prevent potential lice transferral to your child.
1) Avoid sharing brushes or combs – Children often swap these grooming utensils. Tell your child to avoid borrowing or lending combs or brushes to others. It’s not impolite and potentially will save your child from getting lice.
2) No trading clothing – Again, children love to swap. Tell them sharing a hat or even a t-shirt may lead to an unwanted lice infestation. Remind them that it's OK to say no.