Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Clothing and bedding frequently worn or used by humans

Diet & Feeding

Obligate ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood

Behavior Patterns

They live and lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing, only moving to the human skin to feed; they are typically spread through direct physical contact or sharing infested clothes

Risks & Benefits

Direct health risk as they are vectors for diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever; their bites cause intense itching and skin irritations

Identified on: 12/28/2025