If you suspect a lice infestation, it is important to understand how to recognize head lice. Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp. They are about as big as sesame seed (adults). They are blood suckers — just as mosquitoes are. However, unlike mosquitoes, lice cannot fly or jump from one person to another; they can only crawl (very quickly). You don’t typically see live lice crawling around the head. Live lice are difficult to detect with a visual inspection of the hair.

The first thing most people see are the empty nit or egg cases and they describe them as “tiny white specs that won’t move” similar looking to dandruff. The nits that are “white” in appearance are actually empty egg casings. Nits when they are laid and viable (have a bug inside of them) appear brown in color.

Need help with head lice? Fill out the quick form to the right, call 757-769-8639, text 757-301-0207 or make an appointment online.