Can head lice live on pillows, couches, or stuffed animals?
One of the first worries parents have after discovering lice is whether their home is infested. The good news? Head lice don’t live long away from the scalp.
How Long Can Lice Live Off the Head?
According to the CDC, head lice typically survive only 1–2 days away from a human host because they need frequent blood meals.
👉 https://www.cdc.gov/lice/head/biology.html
That means lice found on pillows, couches, or stuffed animals usually die quickly.
What About Nits (Eggs)?
Nits need the warmth of the scalp to hatch. Away from the head, they rarely survive.
Mayo Clinic confirms that nits found off the scalp are unlikely to hatch.
👉 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20380093
What You Should Clean (and What You Can Skip)
Helpful steps:
Wash recently used bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water
Dry on high heat
Not necessary:
Spraying furniture or carpets
Bagging toys for weeks
Fumigating your home
How The LICE House Can Help
At The LICE House, we help families understand what actually matters when treating lice—so you’re not doing extra work that doesn’t help. Whether you’re local or just looking for trusted information, we’re here to answer questions.
👉 Contact us here: https://thelicehouse.com/contact
Bottom line: Lice don’t infest homes. Focus on treating the head, not the house.
For more answers to common questions visit our FAQ page: https://www.thelicehouse.com/faq