How to Prevent Lice From Spreading

Once someone you know or a family member contracts lice, it's hard to keep it from spreading to others. Lice spreads from direct, physical contact with an infested person, or from bed linens and towels where the lice are present. Even the cleanest of individuals are at risk to contract a lice infestation, and it takes quite a while to clear. School-aged children are particularly at risk for lice. Some methods can help to prevent lice from spreading person to person.

Things You'll Need

• Combs and/or brushes for each member of household
• Towels for each member of household
• Bedding for each member of household
• Vacuum cleaner
• Zip lock bags
• Coconut or olive oil shampoo and conditioner
• Tea tree oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Delegate a towel, a set of bed linens and a comb or brush per each member of the household if lice have made their way into the home. Never share these items as lice can use them to transfer to other people. Wash all combs in very hot water every day.

• 2

  Wash each household member's clothes and towels separately in hot water to avoid spreading in the washing machine.

• 3

  Thoroughly vacuum carpets daily. Lice can burrow into the carpet for a while and spread from person to person in this fashion.

• 4

  Don't touch anyone who has lice, especially their scalp. Teach any children to do the same thing, especially if lice have already infested them.

• 5

  Do not share hats, helmets, jackets or hair accessories. Keep these items isolated in the house, such as in a zip lock bag or storage bin.

• 6

  Wash hair at least every other day with a coconut or olive oil shampoo and conditioner. These products repel lice and kill the ones that make their way to the scalp. You can also add tea tree oil to your regular shampoo for the same effect.

• 7

  Keep children away from the sandbox. Lice can burrow there for a short period of time.

• 8

  Tell people if there is a member of the household that has lice and may have come into contact with others. While it may be embarrassing, telling others can help stop spreading more quickly.