Tuesday's tips: Preventing lice

I can’t count how many times over the years my daughters’ schools have sent home notices saying, “Someone in your child’s grade has reported lice.” It makes my stomach turn every time, and of course, I suddenly get an urge to scratch my head.

So far, none of our heads have been visited. However, there seems to be a rash of those little buggers everywhere this summer and unfortunately our household has been exposed yet again. This time, it was more than just a child in our classroom and I’ll admit, I became a little panicked. OK, maybe neurotic is a better word. Regardless, I’m hoping my frantic efforts will not be futile and our family will still be lice free in the next seven to 10 days.

Here is what I have been up to for the last two days:

• Bagged tightly in plastic all throw pillows, stuffed animals, doll clothes, doll bedding, dolls and hair accessories for the next 10 days.
• Stripped all the beds, including the mattress covers, and washed and dried them on the hottest setting possible.
• Vacuumed the entire house, including furniture, mattresses, stairs and throw rugs. Threw out the vacuum bag.
• Sprayed mattresses, couches, chairs, and car interior with Rid Step 3 home lice spray.
• For the next 10 days all family members will wash their hair with Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as use Tea Tree oil behind their ears, the base of their hairline and on the crown of their head.

I was amazed by all of the information available to combat these annoying creatures with home remedies, as well as personal services to help aid your family or place of business. Check out some of these great resources:

Natural Ways to Keep Lice Away
Natural Home Remedies for Life
The Lice Nanny
Rapunzel’s Lice Boutique
Lice Doctors

And don’t forget Detroit News’ very own Ask the Pediatrician! What are your tips and tricks for preventing or getting rid of lice?