Head lice vs body lice — how do I tell?

Head lice live on the scalp and hair; nits are glued to hair shafts. Body lice live in clothing and bedding seams and move to skin to feed; nits are in fabric. Head lice spread by head-to-head contact; body lice by shared or unwashed clothing and bedding.

Do you treat head lice?

We do not treat people for head lice. Head lice are treated with pharmacy products (lotions, shampoos, fine-tooth comb) and by washing bedding. We can advise on premises cleaning and reducing reinfestation. For treatment of the person, use pharmacy or medical advice.

What is bird lice and do you treat it?

Bird lice (or bird-associated mites) come from birds nesting in or on buildings. When birds leave, these parasites can move indoors and bite. We treat the premises (nest sites, affected rooms), remove or treat nests, and offer bird proofing so the problem does not return. We do not treat people.

Do you treat body lice?

We do not treat people. Body lice are eliminated by washing all clothing and bedding at high heat. We can treat premises where body lice are in the environment (e.g. bedding, soft furnishings) and advise on laundry and hygiene.

When should I get professional help for lice?

For bird lice: when you have bites or parasites indoors after birds have nested — we treat premises and bird proof. For head/body lice: we advise on hygiene and can treat premises if the environment is infested; person treatment is via pharmacy or doctor.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match where the problem is (scalp, clothing, or premises after birds) and what you see (nits on hair vs in seams vs bites after birds) to identify head louse, body louse, or bird louse. Then read the species card for the right treatment path.

Lice Identification Guide

Lice are small parasites that feed on blood. The type that affects you or your premises determines the right response: head lice and body lice are treated with pharmacy products and hygiene (we advise; we do not treat people). Bird lice come from birds nesting on or in buildings — when birds leave, these parasites can move indoors and bite; we treat the premises and offer bird proofing. This guide helps you identify head lice, body lice, and bird lice and know when to use pharmacy treatment, hygiene, or professional premises treatment.

Identify head lice, body lice, and bird lice. Know who treats what — pharmacy and hygiene for head/body; premises treatment and bird proofing for bird lice.

Need lice or bird-lice premises treatment?

Call See Lice Control

Person checking their hair for lice — identification guide context; species cards below show head louse, body louse, and bird louse close-ups

How to use this guide

Check where the problem is — scalp and hair = head lice; clothing and bedding = body lice; bites after birds nested = bird lice.
Look for nits (eggs) — head lice nits are glued to hair shafts; body lice nits in clothing seams.
Consider the source — head-to-head contact or shared items = head lice; unwashed clothing/bedding = body lice; birds in roof or eaves = bird lice.
Note who is affected — head and body lice affect people (pharmacy and hygiene); bird lice affect premises after birds leave (we treat premises).
Rule out lookalikes — fleas, bed bugs, and mites can cause similar itching; location and source differ.
Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; follow the right treatment path for the type.

Quick comparison

Lice type	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Head louse	Greyish-white to tan; nits pale and glued to hair	~2–3 mm; nits ~0.8 mm	Scalp, hair, especially behind ears and nape	Nits on hair; itching; spread by head-to-head contact
Body louse	Greyish; similar to head louse	~2–4 mm; nits in clothing seams	Clothing seams, bedding; not on scalp	Itching on body; nits in fabric; thrives in unwashed clothing
Bird louse / bird mite	Very small; pale to dark	Often <1 mm; barely visible	Premises after birds nested in roof, eaves, vents	Bites after birds leave; we treat premises and bird proof

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Head Louse

Pediculus humanus capitis

Appearance

Small wingless insect, about 2–3 mm long; greyish-white to tan
Nits (eggs) are oval, pale, and firmly glued to hair shafts near the scalp
Six legs with claws; moves by crawling (cannot jump or fly)
Often found behind ears and at the nape of the neck

Commonly found

On the scalp and hair, especially close to the skinNits attached to hair shafts (within ~1 cm of scalp when viable)Spread by head-to-head contact or shared combs, brushes, hatsCommon in children but anyone can get head lice

Behaviour

Head lice feed on blood from the scalp. They do not carry disease but cause itching. They spread by direct head-to-head contact or by sharing items that touch the head. We do not treat people for head lice — treatment is with pharmacy products (lotions, shampoos, fine-tooth comb) and by washing bedding and avoiding shared items. We can advise on premises cleaning and reducing reinfestation.

Why you may be seeing them

Contact with someone who has head lice, or shared combs, hats, or pillows. Nits hatch in about 7–10 days; empty nits remain on hair. Regular checking and treatment of the person (pharmacy products) and hygiene of bedding and items clear the problem.

Often confused with

Dandruff or debris (nits are firmly attached and oval; dandruff flakes off) · Hair casts (cylindrical; nits are oval and glued) · Body louse (body lice live in clothing, not on scalp)

When to get help

Head lice are best treated with pharmacy products and combing. We do not treat people. We can advise on premises cleaning, washing bedding, and when to repeat treatment. If infestation persists despite correct use of pharmacy treatment, consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Head lice are very common and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Pharmacy treatment and hygiene are effective.

Head louse pest guide Need lice or bird-lice premises treatment? See Lice Control

Body Louse

Pediculus humanus humanus

Appearance

Similar to head louse but slightly larger; about 2–4 mm
Greyish; lives in clothing and bedding, not on the scalp
Nits (eggs) laid in seams of clothing, especially near waist and armpits
Moves to skin to feed, then returns to clothing

Commonly found

Seams of clothing (underwear, shirts, waistbands)Bedding and blanketsThrives where clothing is not washed or changed regularlyCannot survive long away from the body or its clothing

Behaviour

Body lice feed on blood and lay eggs in clothing seams. They cause itching, especially where clothing fits tightly. They are associated with lack of access to washing; solving the problem requires washing all clothing and bedding at high heat and improving hygiene. We do not treat people; we can treat premises (e.g. bedding, soft furnishings) where body lice are in the environment and advise on laundry and hygiene.

Why you may be seeing them

Unwashed or rarely changed clothing and bedding allow body lice to persist. Sharing bedding or clothing can spread them. Washing all items at high heat (at least 50 °C) and not reusing unwashed clothing clears the infestation.

Often confused with

Head louse (head lice stay on scalp and hair; body lice in clothing) · Fleas (fleas jump; body lice crawl; fleas often from pets) · Bed bugs (bed bugs in mattress seams and cracks; different shape)

When to get help

Wash all clothing and bedding at high heat; repeat as needed. We can treat premises where body lice are in the environment and advise on laundry. We do not treat persons. If infestation continues, medical advice may be needed.

Body lice are eliminated by consistent laundering and hygiene; premises treatment can support where the environment is infested.

Body louse pest guide Need lice or bird-lice premises treatment? See Lice Control

Bird Louse / Bird Mite

Various (e.g. Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus spp.)

Bird-associated louse or mite — premises identification after nesting birds; Verminator treats buildings, not people — Bird Louse / Bird Mite — identification image

Appearance

Very small; often less than 1 mm; barely visible to the eye
Pale to dark; may look like tiny moving specks
Eight legs (mites) or six (lice); bird-associated parasites
Move indoors when host birds leave the nest

Commonly found

In or near bird nests (roof, eaves, vents, gutters, solar panels)Indoors after birds have left — they seek a new host and can bite peopleAround windows, ceilings, and rooms under or near nest sitesOften worse in spring and summer when birds nest and then fledge

Behaviour

Bird lice or bird-associated mites live on birds. When birds leave the nest (or are removed), the parasites can migrate indoors and bite people, causing itching and sometimes small red bumps. We treat the premises (after nest removal or when birds have left): we target nest sites, entry points, and affected rooms. Bird proofing (blocking nest sites) stops the problem from returning. We do not treat people.

Why you may be seeing them

Birds have been nesting in or on the building (roof cavity, eaves, vent, gutter). When the nest is abandoned or removed, parasites look for a host and enter the building. Removing nests and proofing the building prevents recurrence.

Often confused with

Dust mites (dust mites do not bite; bird mites bite when seeking host) · Bed bugs (bed bugs in bedding; bird mites from bird nests, often on walls/ceilings) · Fleas (fleas jump; bird mites crawl; source is birds, not pets)

When to get help

Bites or crawling sensations after birds have nested on or in the building. We remove or treat nest sites, apply premises treatment, and offer bird proofing so parasites cannot return. Do not treat people — we treat the building.

Often called bird mites in pest control; they are the only type we treat on the premises. Bird proofing is essential to prevent return.

Bird louse vs bird mite guide Need lice or bird-lice premises treatment? See Lice Control

Common signs by location

Where the problem appears — scalp, clothing, or premises after birds — determines the type and the right response. We treat premises for bird lice; head and body lice need pharmacy and hygiene.

Scalp and hair
Nits on hair shafts; itching. Use pharmacy treatment and fine-tooth comb; wash bedding. We advise but do not treat people.
Head louse
Clothing and bedding seams
Nits in seams; itching on body. Wash all clothing and bedding at high heat. We can treat premises and advise on laundry.
Body louse
After birds nested in roof or eaves
Bites or crawling sensations. We treat premises and offer bird proofing. Remove or treat nest sites.
Bird louse / bird mite
Bites on skin, no birds
Could be head or body lice (check scalp and clothing). If no lice found, consider fleas or bed bugs; identification guides available.
Head louseBody louse
Rooms under roof or near vents
Parasites enter from nest above. We treat affected areas and proof entry points so birds cannot re-nest.
Bird louse / bird mite

Why lice keep coming back

Head lice: reinfestation from contact or shared items; treat all affected persons and wash bedding; avoid shared combs and hats.
Body lice: clothing or bedding not fully washed or changed; wash everything at high heat and maintain hygiene.
Bird lice: birds re-nesting in the same site; bird proofing (blocking nest sites) is essential after premises treatment.
Head lice: nits not removed; use fine-tooth comb and repeat pharmacy treatment as directed.
Body lice: new exposure (e.g. shared bedding); ensure all contacts have clean clothing and bedding.
Bird lice: nest not fully removed or treated; we treat nest sites and proof so birds cannot return.

Common lice signs and behaviour

These patterns help you confirm the type and follow the right path — pharmacy and hygiene for head/body lice, premises treatment and bird proofing for bird lice.

Nits (eggs) on hair
Head lice: nits are oval, glued to hair, often near scalp. Body lice: nits in clothing seams. Use pharmacy treatment for head lice; wash clothing for body lice.
Itching on scalp
Typical of head lice. Check for nits and live lice. Pharmacy lotions and combing; we advise on premises hygiene.
Itching on body, not scalp
Consider body lice (check clothing seams) or bird mites if birds have nested. Body lice: wash all fabric at high heat.
Bites after birds left nest
Bird lice/mites seeking a host. We treat premises and bird proof. Do not treat people for bird lice.
Tiny moving specks on walls or ceiling
Can be bird mites after nest abandonment. We treat the area and proof nest sites.
We do not treat people
For head and body lice, use pharmacy and hygiene. We treat premises for bird lice and advise on head/body lice hygiene.

When to get professional help

Bird lice: birds have nested on or in the building and you have bites or parasites indoors — we treat premises and bird proof.
Head lice: you need advice on premises cleaning and reinfestation prevention (we do not treat people).
Body lice: premises or bedding infested and you need environment treatment and laundry advice.
Uncertain which type you have — use this guide to identify; then follow the right path (pharmacy vs premises treatment).
Bird proofing needed to stop birds re-nesting and bird lice returning.
Premises treatment after nest removal — we target nest sites and entry points.

Call Lice / bird-lice premises treatment

Need bird-lice premises treatment or advice?

We treat premises for bird lice and offer bird proofing. For head and body lice we advise on pharmacy and hygiene; we do not treat people.

Call Lice control

Lice Identification Guide

Identify head lice, body lice, and bird lice. Know who treats what — pharmacy and hygiene for head/body; premises treatment and bird proofing for bird lice.

Need lice or bird-lice premises treatment?

Call See Lice Control

How to use this guide

Check where the problem is — scalp and hair = head lice; clothing and bedding = body lice; bites after birds nested = bird lice.

Look for nits (eggs) — head lice nits are glued to hair shafts; body lice nits in clothing seams.

Consider the source — head-to-head contact or shared items = head lice; unwashed clothing/bedding = body lice; birds in roof or eaves = bird lice.

Note who is affected — head and body lice affect people (pharmacy and hygiene); bird lice affect premises after birds leave (we treat premises).

Rule out lookalikes — fleas, bed bugs, and mites can cause similar itching; location and source differ.

Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; follow the right treatment path for the type.

Quick comparison

Lice type	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Head louse	Greyish-white to tan; nits pale and glued to hair	~2–3 mm; nits ~0.8 mm	Scalp, hair, especially behind ears and nape	Nits on hair; itching; spread by head-to-head contact
Body louse	Greyish; similar to head louse	~2–4 mm; nits in clothing seams	Clothing seams, bedding; not on scalp	Itching on body; nits in fabric; thrives in unwashed clothing
Bird louse / bird mite	Very small; pale to dark	Often <1 mm; barely visible	Premises after birds nested in roof, eaves, vents	Bites after birds leave; we treat premises and bird proof

Bird Louse / Bird Mite

Various (e.g. Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus spp.)

Appearance

Very small; often less than 1 mm; barely visible to the eye
Pale to dark; may look like tiny moving specks
Eight legs (mites) or six (lice); bird-associated parasites
Move indoors when host birds leave the nest

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Often called bird mites in pest control; they are the only type we treat on the premises. Bird proofing is essential to prevent return.

Bird louse vs bird mite guide Need lice or bird-lice premises treatment? See Lice Control

Common signs by location

Where the problem appears — scalp, clothing, or premises after birds — determines the type and the right response. We treat premises for bird lice; head and body lice need pharmacy and hygiene.

Scalp and hair

Nits on hair shafts; itching. Use pharmacy treatment and fine-tooth comb; wash bedding. We advise but do not treat people.

Head louse

Clothing and bedding seams

Nits in seams; itching on body. Wash all clothing and bedding at high heat. We can treat premises and advise on laundry.

Body louse

After birds nested in roof or eaves

Bites or crawling sensations. We treat premises and offer bird proofing. Remove or treat nest sites.

Bird louse / bird mite

Bites on skin, no birds

Could be head or body lice (check scalp and clothing). If no lice found, consider fleas or bed bugs; identification guides available.

Head louseBody louse

Rooms under roof or near vents

Parasites enter from nest above. We treat affected areas and proof entry points so birds cannot re-nest.

Bird louse / bird mite

Why lice keep coming back

Head lice: reinfestation from contact or shared items; treat all affected persons and wash bedding; avoid shared combs and hats.

Body lice: clothing or bedding not fully washed or changed; wash everything at high heat and maintain hygiene.

Bird lice: birds re-nesting in the same site; bird proofing (blocking nest sites) is essential after premises treatment.

Head lice: nits not removed; use fine-tooth comb and repeat pharmacy treatment as directed.

Body lice: new exposure (e.g. shared bedding); ensure all contacts have clean clothing and bedding.

Bird lice: nest not fully removed or treated; we treat nest sites and proof so birds cannot return.

Common lice signs and behaviour

These patterns help you confirm the type and follow the right path — pharmacy and hygiene for head/body lice, premises treatment and bird proofing for bird lice.

Nits (eggs) on hair

Head lice: nits are oval, glued to hair, often near scalp. Body lice: nits in clothing seams. Use pharmacy treatment for head lice; wash clothing for body lice.

Itching on scalp

Typical of head lice. Check for nits and live lice. Pharmacy lotions and combing; we advise on premises hygiene.

Itching on body, not scalp

Consider body lice (check clothing seams) or bird mites if birds have nested. Body lice: wash all fabric at high heat.

Bites after birds left nest

Bird lice/mites seeking a host. We treat premises and bird proof. Do not treat people for bird lice.

Tiny moving specks on walls or ceiling

Can be bird mites after nest abandonment. We treat the area and proof nest sites.

We do not treat people

For head and body lice, use pharmacy and hygiene. We treat premises for bird lice and advise on head/body lice hygiene.

When to get professional help

Bird lice: birds have nested on or in the building and you have bites or parasites indoors — we treat premises and bird proof.

Head lice: you need advice on premises cleaning and reinfestation prevention (we do not treat people).

Body lice: premises or bedding infested and you need environment treatment and laundry advice.

Uncertain which type you have — use this guide to identify; then follow the right path (pharmacy vs premises treatment).

Bird proofing needed to stop birds re-nesting and bird lice returning.

Premises treatment after nest removal — we target nest sites and entry points.

Lice Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Scalp and hair

Clothing and bedding seams

After birds nested in roof or eaves

Bites on skin, no birds

Rooms under roof or near vents

Why lice keep coming back

Common lice signs and behaviour

Nits (eggs) on hair

Itching on scalp

Itching on body, not scalp

Bites after birds left nest

Tiny moving specks on walls or ceiling

We do not treat people

When to get professional help

Related pages

Need bird-lice premises treatment or advice?

Lice Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Scalp and hair

Clothing and bedding seams

After birds nested in roof or eaves

Bites on skin, no birds

Rooms under roof or near vents

Why lice keep coming back

Common lice signs and behaviour

Nits (eggs) on hair

Itching on scalp

Itching on body, not scalp

Bites after birds left nest

Tiny moving specks on walls or ceiling

We do not treat people

When to get professional help

Related pages

Need bird-lice premises treatment or advice?