Chemical Sprays:
Treating the environment with insecticide sprays is not necessary and is not recommended since head lice can only live a short time apart from their human host. Furthermore, such chemicals have little, if any, impact on the nits. Insecticide sprays also should not be used on the body or clothing if you have head lice. Use of chemical sprays results in unnecessary exposure to insecticides.
Nonetheless, numerous products are marketed for household use. They are available for purchase either separately or within a package containing additional head-lice products. Some products that contain an insecticide include Pronto® Lice, Tick, and Flea Killing Spray containing 0.4 percent resmethrin; ValuRite® Bedding Spray containing 0.5 percent resmethrin; and R&C® Spray Lice Control Insecticide containing 0.4 percent resmethrin. Not Nice to Lice® Household Spray doesn't contain a conventional insecticide but instead contains enzyme cleaners with protease.
Vacuuming:
Thorough vacuuming is a safe, effective way to remove head lice from the environment. In addition to vacuuming all floors, be sure to vacuum mattresses, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture, rugs, car seats, etc. Immediately after vacuuming, seal the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag, then throw it away in an outside trash receptacle.
Washing Items, Bagging Items:
It is important to isolate or sanitize any personal items that could be infested with head lice. Such items can be sealed within a plastic trash bag for at least 14 days. This is a good alternative for items that cannot be washed (dry-clean only quilts, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.). If items such as combs, hair clips, barrettes, etc. can tolerate chemicals or heat, place them in undiluted isopropyl alcohol for approximately 20 minutes or in a solution comprised of 1 teaspoon of ammonia added to 2 cups of hot water for 15 minutes. Or, you can boil them in water 10–15 minutes. As a last resort, throw away the infested items.
130 - 140° F
Bedding, clothing, towels, and other washable items that have been in contact with an infested individual should be washed and dried at hot temperatures. These items should be washed for at least 10 minutes at a water temperature of 130–140° F. To reach this desired temperature, you may need to temporarily raise the temperature of the water heater. (To avoid burns, remember to turn the water heater back down to a lower temperature after the lice ordeal.) Wait between washings until the appropriate temperature is reached. Place washed items in a drier set at the highest suitable temperature. Dry for at least 20 minutes.