How to Kill Chemical-Resistant Lice

Although a person of any age can be affected, lice infestation is a more common problem among school-aged children. Lice are parasites, tiny and wingless, that live in dense areas of body hair and feed on human blood. Although not a direct health threat, their bites can cause intense itching and discomfort. Sufferers have typically combated lice with strong chemical lotions and salves -- most of which have become ineffective against the pests. As an alternative there are several healthier, more natural ways of ridding an itchy head of lice.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Distilled water
• Olive oil
• Shower cap
• Fine-toothed nit comb
• Petroleum jelly
• Tweezers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vacuum cleaner

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the hair with a regular shampoo. After washing, rinse the hair with a solution of vinegar and distilled water, diluted at a 1:1 ratio. A cup or two of the solution will suffice, depending on the length of the hair. Repeat this treatment daily, in the morning.

• 2

  Smother any remaining lice by applying enough olive oil to the head to coat all the hair. Place a shower cap over the hair and leave on for four to six hours. Repeat this treatment each evening.

• 3

  Comb the hair in straight, slow passes with a fine-toothed nit comb. The comb will remove both dead and live lice, as well as any eggs, from the follicles. Clean the comb with a towel after each pass. Repeat this treatment after steps 1 and 2.

• 4

  Treat body lice in eyebrows or eyelashes using a coating of petroleum jelly. Allow the coating to set for 15 minutes and then remove any live or dead lice using tweezers. Wipe the eyebrows clean with a towel. Repeat as body lice appear.

• 5

  Soak all grooming instruments (tweezers, comb, towels) in rubbing alcohol after each use to disinfect. Wash all bedding and clothing in water of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit with a standard detergent. This will help remove any remaining lice or eggs.

• 6

  Vacuum all couch cushions, pillows, or other cloth surfaces in the household to prevent re-infestation.