Everything parents in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and across Georgia want to know without the panic.

If you're a Georgia parent dealing with head lice right now, take a deep breath you’re not alone.
Every week, families across Atlanta, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Marietta, and beyond face the same questions, the same stress, and the same “How did this even happen?” moment.

This FAQ breaks everything down simply, calmly, and without the myths or the judgment.

1. What exactly are head lice? Are they dangerous?

No they’re not dangerous, dirty, or harmful.
Lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. They don’t spread disease, and they don’t care how clean or dirty someone is.

2. How do kids in Georgia usually get lice?

Mostly through head-to-head contact.
Schools, sleepovers, selfies, bus rides, camps Georgia kids are social, so lice spread easily.

3. Can my child get lice from pets?

No.
Dogs, cats, and other pets cannot get or transmit head lice. You can stop worrying about your pets!

4. How do I know my child has lice?

Common signs of head lice include:

• Itching, especially behind the ears.

• Tiny white or tan “nits” stuck to hair strands.

• Crawling sensations.

• Redness on the scalp or neck.

If you’re unsure, do a back-to-school lice check style quick inspection under good lighting.

5. Is lice more common in Georgia during certain seasons?

Yes.
Georgia lice season peaks during:

• Back-to-school (August–October)

• Winter holidays

• Spring break

More together time = more spreading.

6. Do over-the-counter treatments like Nix or Rid work?

Sometimes but not always.
Many Georgia families are seeing super lice or resistant lice Georgia strains that don’t respond well to OTC products.

A Nix vs Rid comparison shows:

• They can kill some live bugs

• They often miss nits

• They don’t work on resistant strains

• You still need thorough combing

7. Do schools in Atlanta still send kids home for lice?

Policies vary.
Most follow the Atlanta school lice policy, which typically does not require sending children home unless live bugs are present.

Always check your school’s rules school lice attendance guidelines are different district to district.

8. Do I need to clean my whole house?

No!
Lice don’t live long off the head.

Simple house cleaning for lice is enough:

• Wash pillowcases

• Clean brushes

• Vacuum couches or car seats

You don’t need to steam-clean, bleach, or bag the entire house.

9. Can lice live on furniture or bedding?

Only for 24–48 hours max.
So yes, lice on furniture can happen very temporarily, but it's extremely rare to get lice this way.

10. How long is the lice life cycle?

The lice life cycle lasts about 30 days:

1. Egg (nit)

2. Nymph

3. Adult

This cycle is why lice reinfestation happens if even a few nits survive.

11. Do hair products, oils, or sprays prevent lice?

Not really.
The hair products lice myth is popular, but nothing fully prevents lice except reducing head-to-head contact.

12. Do only dirty kids get lice?

No and this is one of the biggest hygiene lice myth beliefs.
Lice actually prefer clean, manageable hair because it’s easier to grab.

13. Should I keep my child home from school?

Not unless there are live, active lice and your school requires it.
Most districts encourage kids to stay in class to avoid unnecessary absences.

14. How much does lice treatment cost in Atlanta?

It varies widely:

• OTC products: $20–$40

• DIY combing kits: $30–$60

• Mobile lice treatment Atlanta services: usually $125–$300 depending on hair length and severity

• Salon treatments: $150–$400

Mobile help is often the fastest, most reliable option for busy Atlanta families.

15. What if I’m overwhelmed can someone come help?

Absolutely.
Professional family lice treatment specialists in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Buckhead can:

• confirm the lice

• remove every nit

• prevent reinfestation

• answer your Atlanta lice questions

• guide you with realistic lice prevention tips

If you’ve tried everything or just want it handled calling a pro is the best move.

16. How can I prevent lice from coming back?

Simple habits:

• Tie back hair at school

• Avoid sharing hats/brushes

• Weekly scalp checks

• Teach kids about sharing hair lice risk

• Notify close friends early

Use this as your unique head lice guide no panic, just smart prevention.

17. What do I do if lice show up at the worst time?

Stay calm.

Follow three steps:

1️⃣ Confirm it
2️⃣ Comb it
3️⃣ Treat it

If you freeze and think, “What do I do if lice attack again?” you’re not alone. Every Georgia parent has been there.

Final Thoughts for Georgia Families

Lice are frustrating, but they’re temporary, manageable, and extremely common. With the right guidance (and sometimes professional help), your family can bounce back quickly with way less stress than you think.