Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on clothing and bedding used by infested humans, migrating to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous (feeds exclusively on human blood) several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They live in the seams of clothing and lay eggs (nits) on fabric fibers. They spread through direct physical contact or sharing of infested garments and bedding.

Risks & Benefits

High risk to humans as they can transmit serious bacterial diseases such as louse-borne typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation.

Identified on: 12/28/2025