Body Louse or Head Louse (Pediculosis)

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on humans; head lice live in scalp hair, while body lice live in clothing and move to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. They attach their eggs (nits) to hair shafts or clothing fibers. They survive only a short time (1-2 days) away from a human host.

Risks & Benefits

Causes intense itching and skin irritation. While head lice are not known to spread disease, body lice can transmit serious diseases such as typhus and trench fever. Primary treatment involves medicated shampoos or lotions and washing linens in high heat.

Identified on: 12/27/2025