Personal items. Clothing or stuffed animals that students have left in a closet, storage area or desk should be removed and deloused by washing in a hot wash cycle (130 degrees), and then drying on a hot cycle for at least 20 minutes. Items that can not be washed may be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Application of insecticides in the classroom is not necessary and is strongly discouraged.

Combs and brushes. Combs, brushes, etc. should be soaked in Lysol for one hour or placed in boiling water for 5 minutes.

Coats and hats. Coats and hats should be hung separately and spaced so they do not touch. Lice do not hop, jump or fly, and cannot crawl between coats if the spacing is adequate. Hats can be tucked into coat sleeves. Do not allow coats to be piled up.

Mats and towels. Sleeping mats or towels brought from home should be individually labeled and stored in separate cubbies and sent home frequently for washing. Such items should be washed, bagged or vacuumed regularly.

Vacuuming. Vacuum floors, furniture, etc. Do not leave the vacuum bag in the vacuum cleaner. Seal and discard the vacuum bag. Alert your custodian.

Another word about vacuuming. Carpeted areas should be vacuumed often. NEVER use “pest extermination” services for head lice. Buildings do not get head lice, people do. Vacuum only.

A word about pesticide sprays. It is not advisable to use pesticide sprays, even the sprays that say they are for use in the home and car. They can be toxic if inhaled. Such sprays are ineffective, poisonous, and may contribute to the development of resistant strains of head lice.