Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on clothing and bedding of infested individuals, moving to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous, feeding exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing and can survive for up to 30 days. They are most common in crowded living conditions with poor hygiene.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant health risk as they can transmit diseases like epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. Infestations cause intense itching and skin irritation.

Identified on: 1/3/2026