Yes! We are open on Easter day! We'll help you enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
Yes! We are open on Easter day! We'll help you enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
Who knew? Lice can survive under water.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies “show that head lice can survive under water for several hours but are unlikely to be spread by the water in a swimming pool.”
Head lice hold tightly onto the child’s (or adult’s) hair and essentially hold their breath when under water. Contrary to some peoples’ opinions, chlorine does not kill lice.
It is also important to know that head lice can be spread when children share towels, washcloths and any other items that have been in contract with the hair of someone who had head lice.
When you’ve had head lice in your home, it is important to properly clean the clothing, bedding and other materials the person with lice has been in contact with.
Here is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended laundry procedure: “Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that the infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment using the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry–cleaned,” OR “store in a plastic bag for two weeks.”
Doing a few loads of laundry is a lot easier and faster than filling plastic bags. According to the National Pediculosis Association, “You can also put bed linens, stuffed animals and other items in a dryer for 30 minutes.”
It is also important to wash towels, washcloths and hair accessories that have been in contact with the hair of someone who has head lice.
When a case of head lice is confirmed in a family, the first step is to check the entire household for lice and find an effective treatment to eradicate lice and keep it from spreading.
Once treatment begins, the next important step is home cleanup. Remember that lice live on the head, not in the home, so there is no need to have your house deep cleaned. Lice can only live off the human head for 24-48 hours. Chemical sprays do not affect lice and can be harmful.
LAUNDRY
Clothing and linens do not need to be washed. Putting the following items in a dryer for 30-45 minutes on high heat will kill the live bugs.
Anything that cannot withstand the hot dryer cycle or be vacuumed needs to be bagged for 48 hours.
VACUUM
Vacuum common areas where there has been contact within 48 hours of lice detection:
Lice have claws, not sticky feet. They crawl but cannot travel long distances and cannot move at all on hard surfaces.
FREEZE
Hot water will not kill lice so there is no need to boil or wash anything in soapy water. Instead, it’s best to freeze items. Place items in a baggie and then in the freezer and keep it there for 2 days.
Lice infestations only occur on the head, not in the home, so there is no need to have your house deep cleaned by a cleaning service or yourself. Do not use a pesticide spray in the house or on furniture. Lice are resistant to toxins and the use of pesticides can have harmful side effects.
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