Scabies and Head Lice: Are Other Insects Capable of Infesting the Human Scalp?

No. Only two arthropods specifically infest and reproduce on the human body:

1. Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis (scabies mite) – burrows in stratum corneum of skin (not scalp hair); causes intense pruritus, papules, burrows.
2. Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse) – lives on scalp hair shafts; feeds on blood; lays nits cemented to hair.

Other Arthropods – Transient Only

Organism	Behavior
Body louse (P. humanus corporis)	Lives in clothing seams; feeds on skin; not scalp resident.
Pubic louse (Pthirus pubis)	Coarse body hair (pubic, axillary, eyelashes); not scalp.
Fleas	Bite and leave; do not breed on humans.
Bed bugs	Nocturnal feeders; hide in environment; no human residence.
Mosquitoes	Feed and depart; no infestation.
Demodex mites	Commensals in hair follicles/sebaceous glands (face); generally asymptomatic.

Key Distinction

Infestation = complete life cycle (egg → nymph → adult → reproduction) on host. Only scabies mites and head lice meet this definition for humans. All others are transient visitors or environmental contaminants.