Can head lice live on bedding?

TL;DR

Head lice can briefly be found on bedding, pillows, or hats, but they can't survive long off the scalp. They die within 24–48 hours. Washing bedding is a sensible precaution, but the main spread is head-to-head contact.

Head lice can crawl off and be found in bedding

Lice may crawl onto pillows or bedding during sleep. They're looking for a host — they need blood to survive.

How long can they live on the bedding?

Lice die within about 24–48 hours away from the scalp. They can't reproduce off the head. Washing pillowcases and bedding in hot water is good hygiene but isn't the key to stopping spread. Treat everyone with lice and avoid head-to-head contact. Checker here. More in bedding article.