Lice Treatment in Kamloops

What You Need to Know

Do not have the time, desire or expertise to deal with head lice? We do and we are here to help!

These can be stressful circumstances for you and your family. We offer a professional, effective and family friendly head lice removal service in the privacy of your own home. We promote chemical free removal by means of the wet comb out method.

What You Need to Know

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny, wingless parasites that live on human hair and depend on human blood for survival. They are particularly common in children due to close play and interactions.

How are head lice transmitted?

Head lice are generally transmitted through head to head contact and from sharing personal items such as hats, combs, brushes, helmets, etc.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include intense itching of scalp, tickling sensation from movement of hair, small red welts from bites on the scalp, nits (eggs) on hair shaft close to scalp that are not easily removed and sightings of live lice on the hair.

How to check for head lice?

It is important to check where there is good lighting and use magnification if necessary. Separate and part the hair to expose the hair shaft close to the scalp. Check the entire head, paying close attention to the areas behind the ears, back of head along the neckline and the crown of the head. You are looking for signs of lice: Nits (eggs) on the hair shaft close to scalp, Small red marks on scalp and/or back of neck and sightings of live lice.

Head Lice Life Cycle

Nit Nymph Adult

Nits are the eggs an adult from head lice. They are very small and sand like in size. They are yellow, tan or brown in color and can be difficult to detect. They are located on the hair shaft close to the scalp. Unlike dandruff, they are not easily removed, and must be pulled to the end of the hair shaft to be dislodged. Nits will hatch, producing nymphs in about 7 – 10 days.

Nymphs have three molting stages. They start out pinhead size, gradually growing until they are the size of a sesame seed. Typically greyish-white or tan in color. These molting stages last about 7 days and then they become adults.

Adult lice are the size of a sesame seed. They are typically tan, brown and black in color. They camouflage well and are often similar in color to the hair of the host. They can live up to 30 days and can lay hundreds of eggs during their life span. They do not survive more that 24-48hrs once they have left the host.

Breaking the life cycle

The first treatment will remove live lice and mature nits. There will still be some remaining microscopic nits that were not removed due to their small size. The remaining nits will mature in about 7-10 days. It is very important to repeat the treatment to remove those nymphs before they mature to an adult and is able to lay eggs. If the infestation is severe it is recommended to repeat the treatment every 3-5 days until all lice and nits are removed.

Cleaning of your environment

We recommend washing items that have been in direct contact with head and hair for the past 48 hours. Combs, brushes and hair accessories can be washed in hot soapy water and sterilised in boiling water. Hats, pillow cases, clothes, etc. can be washed in hot water and put in the hot cycle in the dryer for 30 min. Items that can not be washed can be put in freezer for 48hrs or bagged and put aside for 7-10 days. Couches, car head rests, etc. can be vacuumed where there might have been head contact. Lice can only survive 1-2 days once they have left their host so a major cleaning is not necessary.
The Method

How to get rid of head lice?

There are several different methods to treat head lice. Whether you choose a chemical or non chemical treatment it is important to manually remove all the nits (eggs). We promote and provide a natural wet comb method to remove lice and their nits.

Wet comb method

Conditioner cream is applied to the hair and scalp. This will help immobilize the live lice and allow the hair to be combed out gently. The hair is separated into four working sections. Using a magnification visor and a professional lice/nit comb, the hair is combed out. Combing starts from the scalp to the end of the hair shaft. The nits attach to all sides of the hair shaft so the front, back and sides of the shaft need to be combed. Treatment should be repeated in about 7 days. If the lice infestation is severe, it should be repeated every 3-5 days until all lice and nits are removed. Remember that removal of the nits is the key to success!!!
How We Can Help

We are happy to come to the comfort of your own home to complete personalized lice removal services. Below are our Rates and fees. Please contact us here to book an appointment.

Rates and Fees

Screening services $10.00 per person
Removal service $60.00 per hour per technician

One hour minimum charge; additional time billed in 15min increments.
Flat travel fee for mobile services is applied per visit.
Certificate of treatment is available.
Custom packages are available for schools, daycares and community.