Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Found on humans, specifically within the fibers of clothing or bedding, and moving to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strict blood feeders (hematophagous), consuming human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They live and lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing. They are typically spread through direct physical contact or by sharing infested clothing/linens. Unlike head lice, they spend most of their time in fabric.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause intense itching and skin rashes; known vectors for serious diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. Benefits: None.

Identified on: 1/9/2026