Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on human clothing, particularly in the seams and folds of garments worn close to the skin. They move to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively human blood; they are obligate hematophagous parasites.

Behavior Patterns

Body lice lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing. They are highly dependent on human body warmth and frequent feeding. Unlike head lice, they spend most of their time in clothing rather than on the body.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are vectors for several serious bacterial diseases, including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation. Benefits: None.

Identified on: 5/16/2026