Don’t Be Fooled; Some Bugs Can Look Like Lice

Whether you’ve had lice or not, sometimes it can be tricky to decipher if it’s lice and lice nits that you’re looking at, or if it’s another bug. Some common bugs that can be mistaken for lice are ants, bedbugs, and fleas. A few things all these bugs have in common is they’re small in size, can be dark colored, and can give you an itchy head. A few things that can be mistaken for lice nits are dandruff, hair product, or dirt. Lice can only be spread through head-to-head contact, so it’s always a good idea to be careful.

What Does Lice Look Like?

Lice are a six legged insect that can be white, brown, or black. They are a very small insect, but can still be seen from the naked eye. They lay their eggs, also known as nits, which are white and round shaped. Their nits are even smaller. You can find the lice typically on the scalp and close to the ears and neck. Their nits will be on individual strands of hair, but still close to the scalp. 

How To Know If It’s Lice

A good way to know that you have lice versus another bug is that lice are slow when it comes to mobility. For example, if you’re thinking it could be a flea, fleas are very mobile and chances are if you were able to see it once, you wouldn’t be able to see it again. If you spot lice, there should be nits as well. Female lice lay about 6 to 8 eggs a day. With lice comes an itchy head. The itchiness can become so severe that you can even lose sleep.

Most Common Bug Mistaken For Lice

The most common bug mistaken for lice is fleas. Fleas look similar in the sense that they are both small, wingless, cause discomfort, bite the skin, and are similar in size and color. Fleas tend to be a little smaller and rounder than lice, while lice are longer and more slender.

Lice Treatment Center in South Carolina

You’ve discovered you have lice and you’re not sure what to do next. Your next step would be to contact our lice treatment center.  We have lice removal in Greenville and Anderson, SC. At Lice Clinics of America, we specialize in the removal of lice using our advanced machinery. Give us a call or go to our website to book a consultation today.