Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Inhabits the clothing and bedding of humans, specifically moving to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous: feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing and move to the body only to feed. They are spread by direct physical contact or by sharing infested clothing/bedding.

Risks & Benefits

Serious health risk: they are vectors for diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation.

Identified on: 7/1/2026