Head lice cannot jump, hop, swim or fly Lice need human blood in order to survive - they cannot live on bedding or clothing Lice cannot live on pets There are male and female lice and they can live on a host for approx 30 days. The female louse can lay up to 100 eggs (nits) in this time Eggs vary in colour, are oval shaped and are laid close to the scalp Lice can be found anywhere on the hair Lice only go to the scalp to feed or to lay eggs Eggs further than 1-2 cms from the scalp are usually empty cases that remain attached to the hair even though they are dead. These appear white in colour Live eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days Female lice can reproduce in 10 to 12 days after hatching Head lice are becoming increasingly resistant to traditionally used chemical treatments