The Nitty Gritty

We are happy to say that as of yesterday, the infestation is (hopefully) over. As it happens Mum was also pronounced nit free, leaving the two boys as the only victims. But then, they are more likely because of school, nursery etc.

It took about 5 hours yesterday, and a couple of short hair cuts to feel confident that we had missed nothing. That being the case I can see why they are so easy to catch at school. I mean - how many parents are willing to put in the time it takes to make sure their kids are nit free after they are diagnosed?

When we were kids it was always that delightful shampoo - Prioderm. Unfortunately mass use of this product has resulted in subsequent generations of nit building up an imunity. So it is not guaranteed to kill the infestation (haha - great word that).

We heard somewhere that headlice hate Tea Tree oil. So after the erradication we have applied it to heads as a preventative measure. You can also buy shampoo with it in but I can't vouch for its efficacy.

Anyway, for the benefit of my readers - who no doubt will find the unwelcome visitors to their family at least once (though I hope you don't - such is life with kids at school), I have gathered some more information for your persusal:

This fantastic image shows an adult head louse and a firmly attached egg (nit).
More information and images here - Lindane.com >

At times like this you need a sense of proportion. This image gives you an idea of how big the little beasts are.
More information and images from whyfiles.org >

Identifying the suspects. For those who prefer images to descriptions, try the 'Wanted' poster below.
More information from - Harvard.edu >