Lice Life Cycle

A typical life cycle for a newly hatched louse is about 30 days. They begin as a nit, which are the eggs of the louse. The terms “nit” and “egg” can be used interchangeably.


They then grow into nymphs (baby lice). They cannot mate or lay eggs, they only feed off the scalp. Excessive itching is often felt when the first round of eggs hatches.

The adult lice will mate and lay eggs. The eggs will incubate for 7-10 days, but can last as long as 14 days before hatching.

Live lice will die off the head after 72 hours.