Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on human clothing and bedding, particularly in seams, rather than directly on the skin.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of human hosts.

Behavior Patterns

They live in the folds of clothing and only move to the human skin to feed. They lay eggs (nits) in the seams of fabrics. Their life cycle is approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

Risks & Benefits

They pose significant health risks as they can transmit bacterial diseases such as louse-borne typhus, trench fever, and epidemic relapsing fever. Infestations are usually associated with overcrowding and limited access to hygiene/laundry facilities.

Identified on: 1/3/2026