Do Head Lice Have A Hibernation Period?

by Michelle
(Prince George)

Do head lice have a hibernation period?

My daughter has had head lice 9 times! I wonder can they survive in mattresses, and, if so, how do I get rid of them?

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Hi Michelle,

Sorry to hear you are having such an ongoing battle with the head lice. They can be SO frustrating.


No, head lice cannot survive away from a human head for more than 24 hours. They have to feed from the blood from the scalp and will die if away from the scalp for more than 24 hours.


So, the short answer is no, they can't survive in the mattress. BUT - and it's a big but, the eggs or nits can survive until they hatch. So, if you have failed to get rid of all the eggs, they can hatch after several days and re-infest your child's head.


Follow the procedure for home remedies for head lice using the olive oil treatment. Be sure to follow all the steps exactly. That includes cleaning the brushes, combs, bed linen, hats, etc. Don't forget to vacuum the couch, chairs, and car seats - anywhere the head may have touched.


If anything is too difficult or too big to clean, isolate it for a few weeks so that the lice and all eggs have a chance to die.


Repeat the olive oil process every 4 days for 3 weeks so that you get any nits/eggs that may have been missed.


Finally, be sure that your daughter is not sharing brushes, combs, hats, etc. with other children. She may be picking it up from someone else who isn't as diligent as you. Consider braiding her hair or putting it up in some other manner until you get this under control.


Do let me know when you get rid of them all. We'd love to hear of your success!

Blessings,
Angie

P.S. Do head lice have a hibernation period was a good question to ask. I'm sure other visitors will wonder the same thing. Thanks for asking! :)