Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on human clothing, particularly in seams and folds, moving to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood-feeders that consume human blood multiple times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly contagious and spread through close person-to-person contact or shared clothing. Females lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are vectors for serious diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation. Benefits: None.

Identified on: 1/10/2026