What do lice/nymphs & nits/eggs look like?
Lice/Nymphs – Nymphs are new lice. They are very difficult to see because they are very, very, tiny and very light in color with brownish centers. Lice are about the size of a sesame seed, have 6 legs, and are tan to grayish-white in colour. In persons with dark hair, the adult louse looks darker. Female lice lay nits/eggs and are usually larger than males. Adult lice can live up to 30 days on a person’s head and need to feed on blood. If the louse falls off a person, it dies within 2 days. Nits/eggs are found attached to the shaft of the hair next to the scalp, & they resemble tiny droplets and are usually brown in colour. Head Lice at a Glance Head lice are insect parasites that are found on human heads. “Lice” is plural for louse. Head lice are spread by personal contact or the sharing of combs, brushes, caps and other clothing. Head lice are a common problem with preschool and school children. Head lice cause a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, itching, and sores on