How to Disinfect Your Home after a Lice Infestation

Lice infestations are really no joke. According to CDC statistics, between six and twelve million lice infestations occur annually in the U.S. alone.

If someone close to you comes down with a lice infestation, of course the first thing to do is go in for a lice treatment to a lice clinic or specialist. That being said is this really enough?

The Trouble with Bugs

The trouble with bugs is that they are tiny. Needless to say, the eggs they lay are tinier! What this means is even if the individual or family member with lice goes in for treatment it might not be enough. There are a bunch of those little buggers likely still crawling around your home.

These opportunistic little creatures will wait till they find another host and then proceed to undertake their next potential infestation.

What to Do?

After you or a family member receives lice treatment, here’s what you can do to cut down risks of a re-infestation.

Bedding

The first thing to do is to remove all the pillow and bed covers, shrugs and blankets and clean them out. The most important part however, is to use hot water and an extensive hot air drying to ensure all the lice and heat resistant nits are gone.

If you cannot do everything at once keep the remaining items stored in a plastic bag till the first batch is done! This prevents the potential lice on them from getting back on the clean linen.

 

Surfaces

Surfaces like cushions, sofas and carpets can serve as temporary homes for lice on the prowl. Make sure you vacuum and disinfect these properly. Vacuum between tight spots, and crevices. Use anti lice spray once the job is done for a final disinfection.

Floors

Mopping your floors with a damp warm cloth should help rid you of any residual lice that escaped the carpet.

Cars

Make sure you dust off the mats in your car, wipe down the seats with warm water and vacuum all tight spaces.

Clothes

Clothes especially woolen or thicker ones like scarves and sweaters will need to be washed and then hot dried like the linens.

Toys

Soft or stuffed toys will also need to be collected and sent for a complete wash and hot dry.

Final Disinfection

Another round of disinfectant spray all around the house should help re-establish a louse free home.

Screening

Last but not least, family members who did not need lice treatment but have been living in the same home are advised to get a professional lice assessment or screening done. This will ensure that none of those buggers got into your hair during the clean up!

Conclusion

Lice are stubborn so getting rid of them means you need to be just as adamant. Leave no cushion unturned and no rug un-vacuumed.

If you’re based in the Orlando or Miami area and are looking for in home lice treatment or a lice treatment clinic, check out our services because we might be able to help. If you need to call on us, we’re just around the bend!