Question: I am a school social worker and from time to time we have
families that acquire head lice and they have difficulty riding them from
the house. First is there something that you can do for this kind of
infestation. Second have you considered offering this service on a
limited basis to indigent families for low/no cost?
The reason I ask is that the children are required to go home and miss
school until the problem is resolved. (Shampoo can go just so far) Then
there is the reintroduction to the other children. As you know the
problem is cyclical and on going.
ANSWER Head lice is not something a pest control company can treat. Lice survive a very short time when they leave a host, so they do not infest buildings in the way insects like roaches do.
Head lice are often a problem with school-aged children (and sometimes with adults).
Controlling these small creatures requires the diligent use of the shampoo material and the small comb that comes with most control 'kits'. Follow the directions for the length of time the shampoo must remain on the hair, and use the comb to remove the eggs from the base of the hair (use it close to the scalp).
The directions on many products indicate that the shampooing will have to be done twice (within about 10 days), and in between the shampooing the comb should be used.
Some experts suggest that family members of persons affected by head lice should avoid sharing pillows, towels, hats, combs and brushes, and similar items. If the pharmacist cannot provide more information, it may help to consult a doctor.
