Human Head Louse (Nits)

Natural Habitat

Primarily found attached to human hair shafts close to the scalp, often behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous; they feed on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They cannot jump or fly; they spread via direct head-to-head contact. Nits are glued to the hair shaft by the female and hatch in about 7-10 days.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus), sleep loss, and secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They are not known to spread disease-causing pathogens.

Identified on: 1/10/2026