Body louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on clothing and bedding of infested humans; they move to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing rather than on hair. They are most common in crowded living conditions where hygiene is poor and clothing is not frequently laundered.

Risks & Benefits

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

Identified on: 12/27/2025