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Prevention

4 Common Habits that Increase the Likelihood of Lice Infestations (And How to Break Them)

April 3, 2025

Lice infestations are a common nuisance that can affect anyone, especially children. Understanding the habits that increase the likelihood of getting lice can help in prevention and management. At Lice Clinics in Arizona, offering lice inspections and treatments in Mesa and beyond, we’re dedicated to helping our community stay lice-free. Here are four common habits that can lead to lice infestations and tips on how to break them. Contact us today to learn more!

Sharing personal items such as hats, brushes, combs, and other hair accessories can easily spread lice from one person to another. Educate children and family members about the risks of sharing personal items. Encourage each person to use their own belongings. For activities that require sharing, such as sports, make sure to disinfect items before and after use.

Lice can move from one head to another through direct contact. Activities that involve close head-to-head contact, such as playing, hugging, etc. increase the risk of lice transmission. While it is hard to avoid close contact entirely, especially among children, it’s important to minimize unnecessary head-to-head interactions. Educate children about keeping a bit of distance during play and emphasizing personal space.

Many people overlook the importance of regularly checking their hair and scalp for lice, allowing infestations to go unnoticed and spread further. Implement a routine of regular checks, especially after your child has been in a high-risk environment like school or camp. Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Use a fine-toothed comb to thoroughly inspect the hair and scalp.

Delaying Treatments

Ignoring early signs of lice or delaying treatment can lead to a more severe infestation, making it harder to manage and easier to spread to others. At the first sign of lice, take immediate action. Seek professional help from a lice clinic. Lice Clinics of Arizona offers effective and safe treatments to eradicate lice quickly. Prompt treatment not only reduces the severity but also prevents the spread to others.

If you suspect a lice infestation, don’t wait, visit our lice clinic in Mesa, Arizona, for professional help. For more information on how to prevent lice in Mesa or to schedule an appointment, contact Lice Clinics of Arizona today. Our expert team at the lice center in Mesa, Arizona, is here to provide the best care and ensure you stay lice-free.

Think your family might have lice?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I keep my whole family from getting lice?+

Prevent spread by avoiding head-to-head contact, keeping long hair tied up, not sharing brushes or hats, and checking heads weekly, especially after school outbreaks. If one person has lice, screen everyone. Lice Clinics Arizona offers whole-family checks and same-day treatment across Phoenix, Mesa, and Gilbert.

How to prevent lice

How is head lice spread from person to person?+

Head lice spread almost entirely through direct head-to-head contact, since they crawl and cannot jump or fly. Less commonly they pass through shared hats, brushes, pillows, or headphones. This is why lice move quickly among kids at school and sleepovers, and why whole-family checks matter after one case.

How lice actually spread

Do I really have to clean my whole house after lice?+

No. Because lice die within a day or two off the scalp, deep-cleaning your entire home is unnecessary. Just wash recently used bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water, run a hot dryer cycle, and vacuum where heads rest. Focus your energy on treating people, not scrubbing the house.

Cleaning after lice

Can pets like dogs and cats give you head lice?+

No. Human head lice only live on humans, and pet lice only live on their animal hosts, so dogs and cats cannot give or catch human lice. If your family has lice, focus on people, not pets, and get whole-family checks at Lice Clinics Arizona.

Lice myths & facts

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Go home lice-free today

In most cases we have same-day appointments. Book online or call and we'll schedule a time that works for your family.