The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. [1] Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. [1] Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi.

Oct 20, 2022 · The head louse is an insect that can infest people. These tiny insects (about 1/8” long) make their home in human hair and feed on blood. Head lice multiply rapidly, laying small greyish-colored, oval-shaped eggs (called nits) which …

Head lice are small, blood-sucking insects. Each louse has a flat body, antennae, and sharp mouthparts to cling to the skin and feed on blood.

Head Louse. The head louse makes itself at home on the human scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, which is where you’ll find this annoying parasite. An estimated six million or more children are...

The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is normally 1-2 mm long, while the body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus, also known as the "cootie" is usually slightly larger, 2-3.5 mm. The "nits," or eggs, of the louse are about 1 mm long and about half as wide.

Head lice live for approximately 30 days on a host and a female louse may lay up to 100 nits (eggs). Head lice off of their human hosts will starve. The NPA suggests that, in most cases, a head louse will not survive for more than 24 hours off of its human host.

The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi. Other ...

Symptoms of head louse infestation . Itching and irritability. Excessive scratching, resulting in scab-covered sores and secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Public health risk of head lice . Severe nuisances and social embarrassment. Potential for secondary infections associated with sores. NOTE: There is no known involvement of head ...

Description: 1/4 inch long. Where/When: Found on human scalp, particularly on the heads of children. Significance: Irritation, itching, secondary infection. Not known to transmit disease. More information on Head lice. Did this tool help you identify the insect? Tell us.

Learn about Head Lice (Pediculus capitis) & how Presto-X can help you get rid of these pests using our expert pest control solutions.