Head Louse

Natural Habitat

The human scalp and hair, most commonly found behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They do not fly or jump; they move by crawling. Eggs (nits) are cemented to the base of hair shafts. They can only survive for 1 to 2 days away from a human host.

Risks & Benefits

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

Identified on: 3/9/2026