Spring Is Here and So Is Head Lice Season: What North Carolina Parents Need to Know

As North Carolina students settle into their spring routines, head lice remains a perennial concern. Lice infestations affect millions of school‑age children nationwide each year, and cases often spike after holiday breaks and school events.

Why Head Lice Thrive in Schools

Head lice spread through direct head‑to‑head contact, not poor hygiene. These tiny, tan insects crawl rather than jump, attaching their eggs (nits) to hair shafts close to the scalp. In crowded settings, classrooms, playgrounds, slumber parties—close interactions make outbreaks more likely.

Preventing Infestations at Home and School

• Teach children to avoid head‑to‑head contact during play, reading circles and photos
• Discourage sharing hats, hoodies, scarves, headphones, brushes or hair accessories
• Encourage long hair to be tied up in braids or buns, which reduces scalp‑to‑scalp contact
• Provide each child a sealed bag for jackets or backpacks in lockers or cubbies
• Check for local school nurse bulletins, many NC districts post real‑time alerts when cases rise

Household Cleaning Tips

• Soak combs, brushes and hair tools in hot water (at least 130°F) for 10 minutes
• Machine‑wash and high‑heat dry bedding, hats and plush toys used in the prior 48 hours
• Vacuum carpets, upholstery and car seats where affected children sit or lie
• Seal unwashable items in plastic bags for two weeks to starve remaining lice
• Avoid pesticide sprays or foggers, they pose health risks and are not needed for lice control

Effective Treatment Strategies

• Use EPA‑registered lice treatments, as directed on the label—for first‑line therapy
• Perform nit‑comb removal every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, even after live lice are gone
• Consult your pediatrician before treating children under two or those with scalp conditions
• Follow “no‑nit” or re‑admission policies of your school district; most NC schools follow CDC guidance not to exclude children unnecessarily
• Check all household members and repeat treatment in 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched lice

North Carolina Resources

• NC Department of Health and Human Services: Lice guidance and school health rules at ncdhhs.gov/schools
• Local School Nurses: District‑specific policies and alerts, find contacts via your county school website
• NC Cooperative Extension: Workshops on natural lice‑deterrent botanicals and home remedies at ces.ncsu.edu
• NC Attorney General’s Office: Report fraudulent “miracle cures” or unlicensed lice‑removal services at ncdoj.gov/complaints or 1‑877‑566‑7226

By staying vigilant, educating children and following evidence‑based prevention and treatment steps, North Carolina families can keep head lice outbreaks under control and focused on enjoying the spring season.