Head lice are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. While head lice are highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact, they cannot live for long on inanimate objects, including cars. Unlike fleas or bed bugs, lice do not survive well outside their human host.
Head lice need warmth and blood to survive, so once they are separated from the scalp, their lifespan is limited to 24 to 48 hours. In a car, where there is no human scalp to feed on, lice will not thrive. However, there is still a small risk of transmission if someone with lice has recently been in the car and left behind stray hairs carrying nits (lice eggs) or lice. The heat and exposure inside a car, particularly in warm climates, would generally make it difficult for lice to survive long.
What to Do After Head Lice Treatment
Many people spend hours cleaning their homes for lice, yet utterly forget to clean their car and seats!
Some people feel that utilizing a chemical lice spray will get rid of lice in their car, but this could not be further from the truth. Multiple studies have shown that these herbicides are ineffective against lice!
Once head lice treatment is complete, it’s important to clean and sanitize the environment to prevent reinfestation. Here are some recommended steps for cleaning your car and other areas after head lice treatment:
Clean Hair Accessories and Personal Items: Disinfect hair brushes, combs, hair ties, and other personal items by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5-10 minutes. This will kill any lice or nits left behind.
Vacuum the Car: Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the car seats, carpets, and any areas where the infested person has been seated. Focus on the headrest and upholstery, as lice could potentially cling to fabrics. This helps remove loose hairs and any potential lice eggs.
Wash Clothes and Bedding: Any clothing, blankets, or towels used by the person with lice should be washed in hot water (130°F or higher) and dried on high heat. This will ensure that any remaining lice or nits are killed.
Avoid Using Insecticides: There’s no need to use lice sprays or insecticides in the car or home, as lice are unlikely to survive for long outside the human scalp. Simple cleaning and laundering are effective enough to prevent re-infestation.
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