Back to School Lice Prevention
August through October is peak lice season. With kids back in close contact at school, now is the time to establish prevention habits and early detection routines. Here's what actually works—and what's a waste of money.
Head lice cases in the US annually
Age group most commonly affected
Peak season for school transmission
Why Back-to-School Season is Peak Lice Season
Lice spread through head-to-head contact. When kids return to school after summer break, they're suddenly in close quarters for 6-8 hours a day. Here's why that creates the perfect conditions for lice transmission:
Close Contact
Kids sit together, play at recess, work on group projects, and share close spaces all day long
New Classrooms
Fresh start means new classmates and new potential exposures from different schools
Peak Season Timing
August through October is historically the highest-risk period for lice transmission
Prevention Strategies That Actually Work
There's no way to make your child 100% lice-proof, but these evidence-based strategies significantly reduce risk and help you catch cases early before they spread to the whole family.
Weekly Head Checks
High ImpactCatch lice early before they spread. Check every Sunday evening using good lighting and a fine-tooth comb.
Why it works: Early detection means faster treatment and less spread to others.
Hair Up for Long Hair
Medium-High ImpactBuns, braids, or ponytails reduce surface area for head-to-head contact during play.
Why it works: Lice crawl from head to head. Less free-flowing hair means less opportunity for transfer.
Teach "No Head Touching"
Medium ImpactKids should avoid head-to-head contact during selfies, games, and while looking at phones.
Why it works: 95% of lice spread through direct head-to-head contact, not through objects.
Open Communication with School
High ImpactStay informed about lice cases in your child's class or grade. Many schools notify families.
Why it works: Knowing there's an active case means you check more frequently and catch it early.
Teach Your Kids These Habits
Kids need to understand lice prevention in age-appropriate language. Avoid scaring them, but do explain that these simple habits help them stay healthy at school.
Keep backpacks and jackets separate from other students' belongings
Avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, helmets, or headphones
Don't lie down on shared pillows or cushions in reading areas
Skip head-to-head selfies and video watching (sit side-by-side instead)
Tell a parent or teacher right away if their head feels itchy
Keep It Positive
Frame these as healthy habits, not scary rules. Emphasize that lice are common, not a sign of being dirty or bad. If a child does get lice, they should feel comfortable telling you immediately without fear of punishment or embarrassment.
What to Pack for School
These simple items help reduce the risk of sharing personal items that could spread lice.
Personal Hair Supplies
High PrioritySend their own comb or brush in a sealed container
Individual Headphones
High PriorityLabel them clearly so they're not shared with classmates
Extra Hair Ties
Medium PriorityFor kids with long hair to keep it up throughout the day
Establish a Weekly Home Checking Routine
The single most effective prevention strategy is catching lice early through regular at-home head checks. Make this a weekly routine.
Choose a Regular Time
Sunday evenings work well—makes it a weekly habit before the school week starts
Set Up Good Lighting
Natural sunlight or a bright lamp. Check near the scalp at the nape of neck and behind ears
Section and Search
Part hair in small sections. Look for tiny sesame-seed-sized bugs or teardrop-shaped eggs attached to hair shaft
Keep Records
Note if you see anything suspicious. Early detection is key to faster treatment
Don't Waste Money on These Products
The lice prevention product industry is full of items that don't work or aren't worth the cost. Save your money and focus on the strategies that actually matter.
Preventative Sprays & Shampoos
No scientific evidence they work. Most contain essential oils that aren't proven effective.
Special "Lice Prevention" Bedding
Lice live on heads, not in beds. Regular bedding is fine.
Electronic Lice Zappers
Expensive gadgets with questionable effectiveness and potential to damage hair.
Expensive Lice Repellent Hair Products
Lice are becoming resistant to many chemicals. No repellent is 100% effective.
Save Your Money
The best prevention is free: weekly head checks, teaching kids prevention habits, and keeping long hair up. If your child does get lice, invest in professional removal rather than multiple store-bought treatments that may not work.
Understanding School Lice Policies
Every school has different policies about lice. Knowing your school's approach helps you prepare and respond appropriately.
Most schools have a notification system when lice is detected in a classroom
Some schools require proof of treatment before a child can return
Many schools have moved away from "no-nit" policies (eggs only, no live lice)
Schools may offer optional head screenings but are not required to check every student
You can request information about your school's lice policy from the nurse or administration
Pro Tip
Introduce yourself to your school nurse at the start of the year. They're your best resource for lice information and will notify you if there's a case in your child's class. Building this relationship early makes communication easier if your child does get lice.
Your Back-to-School Action Checklist
Print this checklist and complete it before school starts. These simple steps set your family up for a lice-aware school year.
Put long hair up in buns or braids for school
Have a family conversation about head-to-head contact
Set a weekly head-check reminder on your phone
Label personal items (brushes, headphones, hats)
Connect with your school to understand their lice policy
Review what lice and nits look like so you know what to look for
Save Lice Busters NYC contact info in case you need help
Related Resources
How to Check for Lice
Step-by-step guide to checking your child's head at home
What Are Head Lice?
Learn the basics about lice biology and behavior
How Lice Spread
Understand transmission to better protect your kids
School Screenings
Professional lice screening programs for schools
Found Lice? We Can Help.
Even with the best prevention, lice can still happen. Our professional treatment gets your child back to school quickly with our 100% guarantee.