WHAT ARE “NITS”?
Nits are louse eggs. They are small (about 1/32 inch), white to cream color, and oval in shape with a distinct cap. Nits are often the first sign of a head lice infestation. • WHERE ARE NITS FOUND? Head lice glue their eggs to the base of the hair shaft, frequently behind the ears or on the nape of the neck. • HOW MANY EGGS DOES A FEMALE HEAD LOUSE LAY? A female head louse produces about four eggs per day and a total of about 88 eggs during her lifetime. • HOW DOES SOMEONE GET HEAD LICE? Lice are transmitted by close personal contact with an infested person or by sharing their articles of clothing and personal items such as hats, headbands, scarfs or caps, combs and brushes. • HOW MANY HEAD LICE ARE USUALLY FOUND ON AN INFESTED PERSON? Typically, 10-15 head lice are found. The number of lice often depends on personal hygiene, for example, how often the person bathes, shampoos or changes and washes his/her clothing. • WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET HEAD LICE? Head lice have been found on peo
