Where do head lice live?
It is important to understand exactly where head lice live and where they cannot live, for you to deal with them.
Feb 21, 2026 · 4 min read
TL;DR
Head lice live only on the human scalp. They cannot survive on pets, furniture, or bedding for more than a day or two. They spread through direct head-to-head contact, not from the environment.
Where do head lice like to live?
Lice prefer warm, dark areas close to the scalp: behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and around the crown. They need human blood to survive and die within about 24–48 hours away from a host.
Can head lice live on pillows?
Lice can briefly survive on pillows or bedding, but they don't thrive there. They can't feed or reproduce off the scalp. Washing pillowcases in hot water is a sensible precaution, but the main way to stop spread is to avoid head-to-head contact and treat everyone with confirmed lice.
Wondering if you've got them? Our checker can give you an indicative result.