Prevent Reinfestation
Head lice don't live long away from the heat of the scalp. Carefully cleaning the areas where an infested person may have sat or slept is probably good enough. Indeed, the CDC's recommendations on the subject are a little confusing.For instance, you only have to worry about bedding or clothing used by the infested person in the last 48 hours, but then you must bag it for 2 weeks. So is it safe to use bedding and clothing 2 weeks or 2 days after an infested person? I don't really have an answer for you. I suggest doing your best to clean bedding, clothing and carpeting used by infested folks, but don't worry too much about it.
To be safe:
- Wash any bedding or clothing used by an infested person within the last 2 days in hot water (130 degrees or more). If it can't be washed, then dry clean it.
- Soak combs and brushes in hot water (130 degrees), if you haven't already done that.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture as well as you can.
- Stay away from spray fumigation products; they can be toxic, and they aren't necessary.
Source: "Head Lice." 16 May 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC. 22 Jun 2008
