Parasitic and nuisance organisms

Lice

Phthiraptera and related terrestrial isopods

The library includes human head lice and woodlice, two unrelated groups that require very different responses.

Included in this category

Wood lice

Photo: Gilles San Martin · Source · CC BY-SA 2.0

Head lice are tiny flattened insects that cling to hair. Woodlice are segmented crustaceans with multiple pairs of legs.

Head lice remain close to the scalp and spread through close contact. Woodlice shelter in cool, damp places and may wander indoors.

Head lice feed on blood; woodlice feed on decaying plant material and microorganisms.

Head lice cement eggs to hair shafts. Woodlice brood their young and reproduce in moist outdoor harbourage.

Head lice or nits in hair, or woodlice beneath pots, debris, damp thresholds and floor edges.

Head lice cause itching and require personal treatment guidance. Woodlice are harmless indicators of excess moisture.

Prevention

Confirm the organism before selecting control measures

Remove food, water and shelter where practical

Seal or manage access points and harbourage

Use monitoring and a site-specific IPM programme

Professional support

Arrange a site-specific assessment with PCAMB.