Head lice – just hearing those words makes most parents shudder. These persistent pests love to make surprise appearances when school resumes, passing easily from child to child during close contact. Contrary to popular belief, they can’t jump or fly, but they crawl quickly from hair to hair.
Diagnosing lice requires careful inspection. Look for small, sesame-seed sized insects near the scalp or their tiny eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts. Intense itching usually starts weeks after infestation begins.
Instead of reaching for chemical treatments that often require multiple applications, try this effective natural remedy: First, saturate hair with minty mouthwash and cover for an hour – lice hate the strong aroma. Then apply white vinegar to dissolve the glue holding nits to hair. After another hour, shampoo and meticulously comb with a nit comb.
Prevention is tricky since lice spread so easily, but a light daily spritz of mouthwash can make hair less appealing. While lice are frustrating, they’re harmless – with this method, you can eliminate them without harsh products.
