how to remove head lice from furniture and carpeting?

Question

I am manager of a cleaning comp. and in one of our stores the portrait studio has a head lice infestation. Does anyone have any ideas on something I can do or use to get rid of these nasty critters? ANY help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Answer 1

places do not get head lice- people get head lice. Head lice must have human blood to survive- otherwise, they die within a couple of days. Nits (lice eggs) on fallen hair can possibly hatch, but they need to be a certain temperature to survive, as well as when they hatch, they need a blood meal pretty soon, or they die too.

When children get head lice, normally the parent must treat the child with shampoo that kills the live lice, comb and remove the nits, and then wash all bedding, recently worn clothing, hats, combs, hair barrettes, and seal up all stuffed animals for at least 3-4 weeks. Then vacuum thoroughly their beds, rooms, house, and especially anywhree they have been sitting.

Ther are commercial sprays that are sold in stores that claim to kill the lice. However, they are pesticides and can be dangerous to people, and no more effective than vacumming thouroughly.

Here are some good head lice sites, with accurate information for you to follow up on.

http://www.headlice.org/

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC2503.htm


just another note- I would definately, definately have anyone that has worked in the studio be checked for head lice, as well as their families. If lice are seen someone there in the studio, then someone has a very active case of them and is possibly bringing them in. I would also have whomever cleans in there wear a shower cap, and change clothes immediately after cleaning the area and throw the vacuum bags away in a sealed bag. Do not vacuum and carry the bag and vacuum to another house.

Answer 2

Go to a pharmacy. There are products available for that, usually as a spray. For a problem this big, on the other hand, call and exterminating company. Perhaps there is a way to bomb the store?

Answer 3

Hot water and a disinfectant such as pine sol in with the hot water. wash everything .....just spraying is not enough.keep checking after washing and drying everything. don't use a lot of disinfect because it doesn't take much to use. and if furniture needs care then use a good pine spray. curtains also.

Answer 4

Mix equal parts of Lysol (the liquid kind that you use to clean floors NOT THE SPRAY) and water in a spray bottle and spray the infected area. It does work.