Head lice do not jump or fly. They can only crawl and move from one human to another, primarily via head-to-head contact. However, some parasites that affect humans do jump.
Head lice are wingless ectoparasites or
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Other ectoparasites include mites, fleas, lice, ticks, and bedbugs. Most of these parasites do not jump, hop, or fly and rely on crawling to transfer from one person to another.
This article explores how head lice and other parasites move. It also discusses ways to prevent and manage certain parasites.
A head louse’s legs have hook-like claws that allow them to crawl and grasp onto individual hairs. While they cannot fly, hop, or jump, they crawl rapidly,
Head lice primarily transfer between people through direct hair-to-hair or head-to-head contact.
Some examples of ectoparasites include:
- lice, including head lice and pubic lice
- fleas
- bedbugs
- mites, such as those that cause scabies
- ticks, including those that cause Lyme disease
Of these, only fleas can jump. Similar to other ectoparasites, fleas are small wingless insects that feed on animal or human blood.
Fleas
A flea has the following physical characteristics:
- disproportionately small head
- reddish-brown in color
- three pairs of legs
- long hind legs
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Fleas can bite people and can cause any of the following symptoms:
- extremely itchy bites
- a discolored, swollen lump appearing about half an hour after the bite
- the lump may develop into a small wound or blister after about 1 day
A person may be able to
- Avoiding head-to-head contact.
- Refraining from sharing supplies and clothing, such as hats, combs, and towels.
- Disinfecting any combs and brushes someone with lice may have used by soaking them in water at least 130°F (54.4°C) in temperature for 5–10 minutes.
- Vacuuming the floor, furniture, and surfaces where a person with lice may have sat.
- Cleaning everything that has been in contact with a person with lice in the 48 hours before receiving treatment.
- Using the machine to wash and dry items such as bedsheets and clothing in 130°F (54.4°C) water and a high heat drying cycle.
- Dry-cleaning nonwashable items or sealing them in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Checking people for lice several weeks after anyone in the household with lice finishes their treatment.
Insecticide sprays and fogs are not necessary for treating head lice and can be toxic if someone inhales or absorbs them through the skin.
There are various ways to ensure that pets are free of fleas. Pet owners
- limiting the pet’s contact with wild and stray animals
- limiting the time the pet spends outdoors
- bathing, brushing, and inspecting the pet for fleas regularly
- using veterinarian-approved flea control products
cleaning bedding frequently — especially pet bedding- sweeping or vacuuming regularly
- keeping wild animals away from the home
mowing the yard frequently - avoiding overwatering the yard
- avoiding the beach after heavy rain, on overcast days, or at dusk or dawn when sand fleas are most active
People should speak with a doctor if they do not see any dead lice
This may mean the medication is ineffective, and the doctor may recommend a different medication to treat the lice.
People should also speak with a doctor if they:
- still have lice after two treatments
- have crusting or open, oozing sores on their scalp
- show signs of infection, including fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Lice and most other ectoparasites do not have wings and cannot jump. However, fleas can jump.
The best way for people to prevent lice is to avoid direct head-to-head contact with others. Additionally, if a person frequently inspects, cleans, and disinfects their home, they may help prevent and manage lice and other parasites.
People should consider speaking with a doctor if they develop any signs of infection following a bite or if lice treatment fails.