Head Louse (Nits and debris)

Natural Habitat

The human scalp and hair, often concentrated behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly human blood; they feed several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Lice are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. Eggs (nits) are glued firmly to hair shafts. They survive for only 24-48 hours off a human host.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Intense itching (pruritus) and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to spread disease but cause significant social and psychological distress.

Identified on: 6/18/2026