Can My Kids Get Lice from Our Pets?

Can My Kids Get Lice from Our Pets?

Most parents are all too familiar with the anxiety that discovering head lice in your household can cause. Especially if you’re not sure where the pesky critters originated, you wait in dreaded anticipation of where they may strike next.

You may even ask yourself: How safe is the dog? Did the kids catch lice from the cat? The last thing you need while treating your child is for your pets to continue spreading it back to them. After all, they are best friends, and best friends are known to share.

Lice Are Species-Specific

Parents, you’re in luck! The probability of your child catching lice from the family pets is slim to none. Lice are species-specific; meaning there are lice that only infest dogs (Trichodectes canis and Linognathus setosus), lice that only infest cats (Felicola subrostrata), and yes, lice that only infest humans (Pediculus humanus capitis). These insects are species-specific to the extent that they literally cannot survive on the blood of a different host species. It also means that dogs and cats are unable to carry or distribute eggs of human lice. So, if your child has been sent home with an infestation, there is no need to scold the family pets.

About Human Lice

Lice are an unwelcome, social nuisance but, are no indication of lack of hygiene or neglect. Although lice are not a serious medical threat to children, it’s embarrassing and carries a shameful stigma. Do not attempt to remove any attached eggs from your clothing, bedding, or furniture, yourself. This could lead to further spreading throughout your home.

Risk of Dog or Cat Lice for Your Pets

Since lice are species-specific, your pets are not at risk of catching lice from your children. As for their risk of dog or cat lice, although pets are susceptible, it is uncommon for household pets to get lice. It is mainly found in pets without proper shelter. Animals that are either very young or very old, or in poor health, are most at risk of infestation.

Lice Treatment Options

A lice infestation is an annoyance every parent wishes to avoid.  At the first symptoms or sightings of lice, call Fresh Heads Lice Removal, for the safest most lice treatment options. Our goal is to rid your child from irritating lice and offer ways to prevent future outbreaks. Visit our website to learn more about our environmentally-friendly products. Fresh Heads provides consultations for removing lice from your home during an infestation.

head lice and the holidays

Preventing Head Lice Over the Holidays

Head lice in children is an issue that doesn’t take a break for the holidays. In fact, the holiday season is prime time for family gatherings, meaning there’s a real risk of coming into contact with affected individuals and catching head lice. This is one “gift” that nobody wants! So here is some information on just how naughty lice can be, and why getting them is definitely not nice:

How Head Lice is Contracted

Lice require head to head contact in order to spread. So the critters can’t jump from one person to another, and even wearing hats and clothes used by those who had lice isn’t a major risk.

For kids, head to head contact can involve playing with lice-infested peers, huddling together, or dozing off in close proximity with them during sleepovers or afternoon naps.

How to Check for Head Lice

Louses (adult lice) are quite small and fast-moving. They tend to avoid light and don’t stay on the outer layers of one’s hair. This can make them especially difficult to spot. Common symptoms of head lice in children and adults include itchy scalps (though this is shared with dandruff, eczema and other conditions). If you want to find out for certain, you’ll have to:

  • Sit the child in a brightly lit room.
  • Spread his or her hair apart and look at the scalp to find lice and nits.
  • Lice eggs, called nits, are tiny white or cream-colored and oval-shaped, like beads, and are attached to the hair at their base, near the scalp. They can be mistaken for dandruff or dirt. If it’s easily removable then it’s probably not a nit.
  • Comb through the hair in small sections, systematically, to find and remove lice or nits.

If you find lice and nits, check everyone else in the house to be sure the infestation hasn’t spread.

How to Get Rid of Head Lice

Over the counter medications usually involve harsh chemicals that have alarming side effects. Moreover, we now have Super Lice, which are drug-resistant and can’t be killed by OTC head lice treatments.

This is why Fresh Heads Lice Removal stands by AirAllé— The Best Way to Get Rid of Head Lice. It is a completely non-toxic, FDA-cleared and science-based method that kills lice and eggs using heat, air flow, time and technique – dehydrating lice and ending infestations. No more wasting time and money on ineffective OTC treatments or messy in-home mobile lice services.

What about Natural Treatments and Home Remedies?

The herbal route avoids the dangers of pesticides, but these concoctions mainly repel lice and don’t do much when the buggers are already on the scalp. They’re not very good at killing them and do nothing to kill nits.

 

Home remedies, on the other hand, are unproven and unreliable. Hair dyes are ineffective. As are hair straightening treatments.

Other Advice to Limit Lice

If someone has an infestation, wash their clothing, towels, linens, hats, etc. in hot water and dry them in high heat. It is very unlikely that lice will be spread by bedding, clothing or linens, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Unwashable items can be stored in sealed plastic bags for a couple of weeks, which will starve lice to death.

Happy Lice-Free Holidays

Finding head lice doesn’t mean the holiday festivities have to stop! At Fresh Heads Lice Removal Clinics, we can take get rid head lice and their eggs in a single, chemical-free treatment with no follow up necessary. Don’t waste your time with over the counter treatments or sit around waiting and hoping a mobile lice treatment service will actually show up on time just so they can take over your kitchen or living room for hours. If you find lice call Fresh Heads today and we’ll have you back sipping eggnog and eating gingerbread cookies in no time.

So may you and your family have a very merry and lice-free holiday season!

Head Lice Exposure

Will My Kids Get Lice if They Are Exposed to It?

At some point throughout the day, you or a loved one has probably brushed against another person. For example, on a school bus, at the gym, or during a meeting. A lot of head lice salons will tell you that simply being around someone with head lice is enough to catch it from them. The reality is that head lice are mostly spread by direct head to head contact. That being said, what are the chances of catching head lice if you are exposed to someone who is infested?

What is Exposure?

You brushed against someone in public or you received a letter from your child’s school regarding a head lice infestation. There will always be a risk of head lice exposure. The good news is most of the time it requires hair-to-hair contact.

Contrary to popular belief, Head lice cannot jump. These parasites can only crawl on human hair and scalps – they are physically unable to hop around.

It is also uncommon to catch head lice from objects. The CDC says that contracting lice from exposure through clothes, hats and other attire worn by another person is rare. The same applies to combs, brushes, towels, even beds, and couches. Though the risk is low, it’s best not to share such items and disinfecting them is still recommended.

Steps to Take Being Exposed to Head Lice

There was hair-to-hair contact. Now what?

Most head lice cases aren’t diagnosed until several weeks after exposure, without professional help from head lice salons.

Some cases can be determined with the naked eye immediately upon exposure. If a female louse climbs from one head to another they are typically visible and can be diagnosed straight away. Lice tend to crawl from the hair shaft to the scalp quickly, where they are harder to spot. Once they reach the scalp they begin laying eggs, or nits. Later in the lice’s 30-day lifespan they will crawl back to the hair shaft and prepare to transfer to another person.

Diagnosing lice can take a few weeks without professional help. This is when a lot of nits in the hair are visible and begin hatching. Lice eggs are camouflaged in the hair and can be mistaken for dandruff or dirt. It takes experience, lighting, and tools to spot them early.

Finding the Right Local Head Lice Salon

Thankfully, you can get rid of lice quickly without bombarding your hair with powerful chemicals. At Fresh Heads Lice Removal, we use our revolutionary, FDA-cleared medical device, The AirAllé® Machine to remove head lice and their eggs using only warm air.

The Signature AirAllé treatment at Fresh Heads Lice Removal is a science-based treatment that is proven to work even on pesticide-resistant Super Lice! It eliminates lice and eggs by using a precise combination of heat, airflow, time and technique to dehydrate them. No chemicals, no toxins, and no scary side effects.

Do not settle for ineffective, chemically invasive products or messy in-home treatments when treating lice. Contact the professionals at Fresh Heads today for proven, effective head lice treatment.

Students Raising Hands in classroom

Preventing Head Lice at School – What You Need to Know

The CDC reports that 6 million to 12 million children in the U.S., from ages 3 to 11, get head lice every year. Worse yet, chemical-based methods of lice removal are becoming less effective, as Scientific American’s article on the Revenge of the Super Lice says that: “Overexposure to insecticides has bred resistance in the parasites, making it harder than ever to treat infestation.” So the best way to beat the little critters is to prevent head lice in the first place.

In the case of children, school is where they are most often exposed to head lice. Kids and parents alike should take precautionary measures to minimize the risk. Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent head lice:

Avoid Head-to-Head Contact to Prevent Head Lice

Direct head to head contact with a lice-infested person is the primary way lice is spread. So warn kids to avoid that kind of contact while they’re playing, especially if they know that a friend has head lice or it has been found at their school. No one can tell at first glance who has lice, though, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Routine Head Checks

Check on your kid once a week or so to see if there are any signs of infestations. It can take up to 6 weeks for the itching to start, so don’t wait for that. Look for nits, lice eggs attached to strands of hair. Particles that are easily removed are probably dandruff or lint. Nits are glued to the hair shaft at the base and are not easily moved or removed. Lice especially favor the back hairline and behind the ears.

Early detection is essential for early treatment. It can help prevent head lice from spreading to other kids at school.

Click here for a video tutorial on how to check for head lice.

It’s Very Hard to Get Lice by Sharing Clothes, Hats, Etc.

It is actually uncommon for lice to transfer to another person by sharing clothing, hats and other attire with someone who has lice. It is also extremely rare for lice to be spread via combs, brushes, towels, bedding, carpets, pillows or couches.

With that said, it’s still a safe practice to avoid sharing such items like this with someone who has lice. It’s not a major risk, but it can happen. Items that have been in contact with lice-infested individuals can be disinfected simply. Combs and brushes can be soaked in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Clothing can be machine washed with hot water and high heat drying cycle.

Get in Touch

Worried about a head lice outbreak? Broach the subject with your Parent-Teacher Association, talk about it with teachers or nurses. Prevention is made much easier when others are in on it, especially if they can educate the other kids on how to avoid head lice. The risk of infestation can drastically go down when everyone’s involved.

Know That EVERYONE Can get Head Lice Regardless of Wealth or Cleanliness

Parents who know their kids have lice might be ashamed to bring it up or ask for help from the school nurse or other parents. Affected kids themselves might feel ashamed about it and hide their symptoms as long as possible. So it’s important, especially for children, not to look down on those affected with head lice or treat them badly. Those with infestations shouldn’t think less of themselves either, since it’s a treatable condition that nearly everyone goes through in their life.

Being open about the subject will help prevention and make it easier for those affected to ask for the treatment they need.

Contact a Professional Lice Treatment Clinic if You Find Lice

If you don’t detect any lice, then you’ve done a good job at prevention. But if you detect any lice or nits, call Fresh Heads today to schedule an appointment. We remove lice and their eggs in about 90 minutes, guaranteed, with our FDA-cleared, 100% chemical-free AirAllé machine!

a girl receives the AirAllé head lice treatment

What is the Best Lice Treatment?

There are all sorts of lice treatments floating around out there, but which is the best? It can be difficult to choose between pesticide products, herbal products, or even physical treatments. The best lice treatment has to be both safe and effective. Something that you and your child can confidently use without worrying about repeat infestation or nasty side effects. So out of all of the options available, which is the best lice treatment?

Common but Dangerous Pesticide Products

Insecticides were first introduced in the 20th century as an alternative way to treat head lice. Unfortunately, lice are very quick to adapt. This has led to pesticide resistant lice, also called super lice. These super lice have spread to 48 states, including Georgia and Florida! They have at least three genetic mutations making them resistant to most over the counter treatments.

Besides the growing ineffectiveness of pesticides, these products are also potentially dangerous. Many contain pyrethrin and pyrethroids, which are commonly used in bug sprays like Raid. Extracted from chrysanthemum flowers, these chemicals are potentially dangerous. They have been proven to be carcinogenic and even neurologically damaging when absorbed by the skin!

The Efficacy of Herbal Lice Treatments

With all the dangers of pesticides, it might seem much more appealing to go the herbal route. The problem is that herbal treatments function mainly by repelling lice. They aren’t the best lice treatment because they are less effective at killing lice. Not only that, but they leave the nits, or eggs, intact.

Herbal remedies are most effective when combined with other methods. They can be used to help prevent future infestations, but they are not effective at killing lice and their eggs if you have an infestation.

Is AirAllé the Best Lice Treatment?

The AirAllé treatment is a completely chemical free, all-natural head lice treatment that has proven to be the most effective. Not only does it kill head lice, it dries out and destroys their eggs to prevent the infestation from continuing. The process is simple. Heated air is used to dehydrate both lice and their eggs. The efficacy rate of this method is almost 100%. Usually taking about an hour, it is much quicker than most other treatments. This is especially true when you consider the fact that most other methods require follow-up treatments! The AirAlle treatment is the best lice treatment available to parents.

Get in Touch with the Pros for the Best Lice Treatment in Savannah

You don’t need to resort to dangerous chemicals or ineffective home remedies to get rid of lice. At Fresh Heads Head Lice Treatment Centers, we have trained professionals that can help you. If you are looking for the best lice treatment in Savannah, Orlando, Jacksonville, or Jacksonville beach, Call us today to schedule your appointment!

screaming boy needs head lice removal

The 3 Secrets to Head Lice Removal

It can be a scary thing to discover you or your child are the victim of a lice infestation. It might seem impossible to rid your home of these annoying pests. You might even be tempted to risk exposure to harsh pesticides and treatments just to get them out of your home. Getting rid of head lice doesn’t have to be a nightmare, though. Here are the three secrets to effective head lice removal.

1. The AirAllé Head Lice Removal Treatment

It isn’t necessary to expose yourself to toxic pesticides to get rid of lice. You also don’t have to go it alone. While it might seem tempting to go for an over-the-counter treatment, they can come with serious risks. Some include chemicals that are found in pesticides like Raid! These chemicals have been found to be carcinogenic and are linked to neurological disorders in younger children. Our signature AirAllé treatment is a chemical-free process that works by drying out the lice and their eggs. This kills all of the bugs and prevents new ones from hatching without subjecting you or your child to dangerous toxins!

2. Clean The Critters Out of Your House

After a successful lice treatment, it’s important to safeguard yourself and your family against further infestations. Part of getting rid of lice is STAYING rid of them, after all. A thorough cleaning of your home is a good thing to consider. You don’t have to clean every area of your home, but there are some areas that need special attention.

Start with hairbrushes, combs, and other hair accessories. You can put them a plastic bag and then the freezer for 24 hours to kill them. Placing them in hot water can also aid in the lice removal process. Also consider cleaning any clothing, stuffed toys, or bedding. They can be put in a dryer, where the high heat will kill any lice or eggs.

Furniture, carpeting, and anything else that can’t be put in a washer or dryer should be thoroughly vacuumed. Additionally, items such as large pillows and cushions can be placed in sealed plastic bags for 48 hours.

3. Prevent Future Infestations Before they Start

Prevention is the best lice removal method. The most common way lice is spread is through direct head to head contact with an infected person,. Children are most likely to be infected. Therefore, weekly inspections of a child’s head can help detect an infestation early, making it easier to treat. Avoid sharing items that may come in contact with the head, such as hair accessories, scarves, or coats.

Avoid games or other activities where one child may place their head near another child’s. This should also be applied to adults who work with children. Long hair can be kept tidy to help prevent infestations as well.

Ask your child to keep their belongings isolated. This is because shared spaces can be breeding grounds for lice. Clothing or other items that have been exposed to infected individuals can be disinfected by having them outside for 48 hours. They can also be washed at 140 degrees for 30 minutes.

There’s only so much you can do stop your little ones from playing closely with their friends. Fortunately, there are also preventative products you can use to help defend your child against head lice. Our all-natural preventative shampoos, conditioners, and detanglers work without any of the harsh and dangerous chemicals found in other lice prevention products. (And they smell great!)

Contact the Professionals for Effective Head Lice Removal

Getting rid of head lice doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. Our treatments are non-toxic, safe, and effective. You don’t have to go it alone and use dangerous chemicals to get the job done. Contact the pros at Fresh Heads Lice Treatment Centers. With locations in Orlando, Jacksonville, and Savannah, we will help you become lice free without using toxic pesticides.

housecleaning after head lice infestation

How to Get Rid of Lice in Your Home

The only thing more daunting than treating your family for a head lice infestation is the thought of sanitizing your entire home. Fortunately, the main way head lice is spread is from direct head-to-head contact and you aren’t very likely to catch it from household items. Still, you might want to clean some items in your home once your family has been successfully treated for lice.

The Life Span of Head Lice

Head lice can’t survive more than 24-48 hours when they aren’t on a human host. This is an important fact to keep in mind. It means you’ll only need to clean what an infested person has been in contact within the past couple days.

What to Clean During a Head Lice Infestation

Fortunately, you won’t need to clean every single item in your house. But there are some important items you’ll want to be sure to take care of. Here’s a list of what should be sanitized after a head lice infestation and the best way to do it.

1. Brushes, Combs and Hair Accessories. Round up any hair care items such as brushes, combs, barrettes, and headbands that have been used in the last 24-48 hours. Place them in a sealed plastic bag. Then place the bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill any lice and eggs. Alternatively, you can place the items in hot water—at least 130 degrees—for about 10 minutes to eliminate lice.

2. You’ll want to clean any clothing that has been worn in the last 24-48 hours, including any clothes that were worn during treatment. Wash them in hot water and then put them in the dryer. The heat from the washer and dryer will effectively kill lice and nits. Throw any hats, scarves or accessories you’ve worn in the last 48 hours into the dryer for at least 30 minutes.

3. Stuffed Animals. Since your child’s favorite stuffed animals have likely come in contact with his or her head. The easiest way to do this is to place them in the hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. The dry air will dehydrate any lice that have been left behind.

4. It’s best to wash any bedding that has been slept on in the last 24-48 hours. Wash all pillowcases, sheets, and duvets in hot water. Finish them off by drying on the high heat setting until thoroughly dry.

5. Furniture, Carpets, and Household Items. For larger items and things that can’t be placed in the washer and dryer, vacuuming or bagging is best. Vacuum upholstered chairs and sofas that may have come in contact with head lice in the last two days. Vacuum floors and carpets thoroughly. Sealed for 48 hours, any large pillows and cushions can also be placed in garbage bags.

How to Treat a Head Lice Infestation

The first step to tackling a head lice infestation is finding an effective treatment for the family. For safe, nontoxic treatment that works, call the pros at Fresh Heads Lice Treatment Centers. Our technicians are expertly trained to remove head lice using our signature AirAllé treatment. Within locations at Jacksonville, Orlando, and Savannah. This revolutionary, FDA-cleared treatment uses heated air to dehydrate and kill head lice and their eggs. It’s quick, convenient and safe for the whole family. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations today.

frowning girl needs Lice Treatment

Five Reasons Head Lice Keep Coming Back

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that anywhere from 6-12 million people per year contract head lice. And while there are many forms of lice treatment available, not all are effective. Many people end up dealing with lice outbreaks that last weeks, months or even years. Here are five reasons why it might seem like head lice keep coming back.

1. Head Lice are Seriously Stubborn Pests

Head lice are difficult to get rid of because they’re extremely hardy critters. They hold a strong grip on the hair shaft with their claws, so they can’t easily be brushed off. Killing them is no easy feat, either. Hot water, chlorinated water, shampoo and even some lice treatments won’t do the trick.

2. Step Away from the OTC Lice Treatment

If you’re using hazardous over-the-counter lice remedies, you’ll probably find your lice doesn’t go away or makes a swift return. That’s because OTC products don’t work. Lice have adapted and become resistant to the chemicals—called pyrethroids—found in most of these pesticide-based products. A recent study found that pyrethroid-resistant head lice exist in at least 42 states. There are many other reasons to avoid these toxic products.

3. Nitpicking is Like Searching for a Needle in a Haystack

Nit combing is another common head lice treatment option that’s not very effective. That’s because it’s quite tedious and is subject to human error. Live lice must first be removed, then each and every nit must be picked out. Nits are tiny and are essentially glued to the hair shaft. Locating all of them can be extremely tedious. And if you miss a single nit, the lice life cycle will begin all over again.

4. Home Remedies Aren’t Great Either

Home remedies are ineffective, and some are downright dangerous. A search on the internet might bring you remedies that suggest “smothering” the lice by using items like mayonnaise, olive oil, chlorine and even kerosene. These are all extremely dangerous ideas and can lead to serious injuries or suffocation.

5. Oops. You Didn’t Get Every Household Member Checked

Since lice spread so rapidly, don’t assume that it will remain only on the child who came home with it. Be sure to get every family member thoroughly checked for head lice, even if only one child seems to have it. Lice spread primarily from close head-to-head contact, and it’s very common for other family members to contract lice—even parents! You could find your family in a vicious life cycle if only one person is checked and treated.

Lice Treatment that Works

Lice treatments that aren’t effective can leave you in a frustrating cycle where head lice just keep coming back. To get rid of head lice once and for all, it’s time to call the professionals at Fresh Heads Lice Treatment Centers.

Our signature AirAllé treatment is the most effective treatment available today—with an up to 99% efficacy rating. AirAllé is FDA-cleared and completely safe and comfortable for children. It’s so successful at getting rid of lice, we back it up with a 45-day retreatment policy. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations today.

kids in swimming pool

Will a Hot Tub or Swimming Pool Kill Head Lice?

As the weather warms up, kids begin spending more time swimming and playing with their friends. That also usually means we see an uptick in cases of head lice this time of year. Some parents wonder if taking a dip in the pool or hot tub might actually help kill lice. If only it were that simple. Read on to learn how to treat head lice safely and effectively.

Does Swimming in Chlorinated Water Kill Head Lice?

Swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub will not, unfortunately, kill head lice. Lice are very hearty pests and they can resist most chemicals, including chlorine. One study that submerged lice in chlorinated water for twenty minutes found that it wasn’t enough to kill the pests. Although the lice became immobile temporarily, they recovered completely after being out of the water for one minute.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention also agree that swimming in pools won’t kill head lice. Head lice can survive in chlorinated water, and are firmly attached to the hair when a person is under water. It will also have no impact on the nits or eggs. So, swimming in a hot tub or pool is not a good solution if you’re wondering how to treat head lice.

Can Head Lice Swim from Child to Child?

Fortunately, head lice can’t swim. They remain attached to their host’s hair in the pool or hot tub. They can’t swim from one child to the next to be spread that way. The main way that head lice spread is from head to head contact.

That’s why it’s still important to teach your kids to avoid this type of direct contact, even when swimming. Wet hair won’t stop the head lice from spreading to another child when they’re head to head.

Another thing to consider when your child is swimming with friends is sharing items that might allow head lice to spread. It’s a good idea to have your child avoid sharing items like swim caps, goggles and towels just to be extra cautious.

How to Treat Head Lice Effectively Without Chemicals

If taking a prolonged dip in the pool won’t solve your child’s head lice problem, what will? As mentioned above, head lice are extremely resilient and can survive most chemicals. On top of that, the chemicals used in most head lice products are toxic and unsafe for your family.

An FDA-cleared treatment called AirAllé is the most effective head lice treatment available. Not only does it have a very high efficacy rating, it’s also completely non-toxic. The treatment utilizes warm, heated air applied directly to the scalp to kill lice and nits by dehydrating them. It’s a completely comfortable treatment for children, and it is usually completed in about an hour. It’s so effective, it’s backed with a 45-day retreatment policy.

Call Fresh Heads for Head Lice Treatment in Jacksonville, Orlando and Savannah!

In Jacksonville, Orlando and Savannah, AirAllé is offered exclusively at Fresh Heads Lice Treatment Centers. Fresh Heads also offers a complete line of all-natural hair care and preventative products. Call Fresh Heads today for more information or to schedule an appointment.