Do I need to rid my home of lice and eggs and wash everything in hot water to stop the spread of head lice?
Under normal circumstances, the life of a louse separated from the head can be measured in hours rather than days as the adult louse is highly susceptible to dehydration and will quickly starve. Adults and nymphs are only able to survive for 2-3 days off the host in optimal conditions. Most conditions are not optimal. Lice need warmth, humidity and food. They do not find this anywhere but the human head. It is preferable to take preventative steps to ensure they don’t return to the head than to the home. Eggs can survive away from the head for up to 7 days but will not hatch without the warmth of a human host. With this in mind it is fairly obvious that compulsively cleaning is not required in preference to killing all the adult lice and eggs. Vacuuming and wiping surfaces with hot soapy water is all that is required to rid your home of head lice. Do not be persuaded to use pesticide bombs that unnecessarily expose your family to dangerous chemicals.
