How do kids get head lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny parasitic insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. They’re about the size of a sesame seed and most common in school-age children — especially ages 3 to 12 — because of the close physical contact that happens at school, playgrounds, and activities. CDC+1

How Head Lice Spread

Head lice do not jump or fly — they crawl from one head to another. The most common way kids get lice is through direct head-to-head contact, such as:

• Playing closely together

• Hugging

• Sitting side-by-side

• Sleeping in the same bed

This direct contact allows lice to crawl from one person’s hair to another’s. CDC

Can Head Lice Spread Through Shared Items?

It can happen, but it’s much less common. Lice may spread indirectly through:

• Shared combs, brushes, hats, or scarves

• Headphones or hair accessories

• Towels, pillows, or coats hung closely together

But lice don’t survive long off the head — generally only about one to two days off a person where they can’t feed. Mayo Clinic

Important Myths Debunked

❌ Lice do not spread because someone is dirty. Hygiene has no bearing on whether someone gets lice. CDC
❌ Pets cannot give someone head lice. These lice are species-specific to humans. CDC