Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Inhabits human clothing and bedding, particularly along the seams, only moving to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

They lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing and can survive up to 30 days on a host. They spread through direct physical contact or sharing of infested clothing/bedding.

Risks & Benefits

Significant health risk as they are vectors for diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation.

Identified on: 1/13/2026