What is the Life Cycle of Body Lice?
There are three stages that complete the life cycle of body lice – nit, nymph and adult. Nit: Nits are the eggs of the body louse and are usually found in the seam of clothing. Particularly, these nits are usually located near the waistline of garments and seams of underwear. However, occasionally they may also be attached to body hair. They are oval, approximately 1 millimeter in length and yellow to white in color. The hatching of the nit is sensitive and dependant upon temperature. If clothing is left on the body, hatching occurs within 5-10 days. If clothing is removed nightly, this time may increase up to 2 weeks. Nits can stay alive for up to 14 days once removed from a host. Nymph: Upon hatching the baby louse is considered a nymph. The nymph looks similar to an adult body louse but smaller. Nymphs range from 1.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters in length and mature in about 7 days after hatching. In order to continue life the nymph must feed on a blood meal from a human host. Adult
