| If you have had a recent warning about head lice in | | | | They can also be mixed with carrier oils such as |
| your community, you may be tempted to purchase a | | | | olive oil and coconut oil, and used in the smothering |
| head lice repellent from your pharmacy. However, | | | | technique. |
| these treatments are not always as effective as you | | | | Helpful Tools for an Infestation |
| might think, and they can prove to be quite | | | | As well as having your own repellent, you should |
| expensive. | | | | definitely invest in a good nit comb. These combs can |
| The truth is, the commercial products claiming to | | | | be used with the wet combing method, and can be |
| prevent infestations could actually reduce the risk of | | | | used daily alongside any other chemical or medical |
| a possible infestation, but occasionally, some insects | | | | treatments. Nit combs are readily available from your |
| can still make a home on a host that is being treated | | | | pharmacy. |
| with the said product. After all, kids will be kids. With | | | | Some parents prefer the electronic nit combs. These |
| this in mind, it is far more cost effective to make | | | | combs carry an electric shock that kills the insects on |
| your own home brewed insect repellent at home. At | | | | the scalp and their eggs, making them easier to |
| least if your home made product is not as effective | | | | remove, but be aware that these particular combs |
| as you hoped, you won't have wasted a lot of | | | | cannot be used with the wet combing method. If |
| money needlessly. | | | | you intend to use this method, look for a manual |
| How to Make a Homemade Head Lice Repellent | | | | comb with metal teeth instead. These work far |
| Essential oils are a common ingredient in homemade | | | | better than the plastic complimentary combs and are |
| preventative solutions. The most common essential | | | | more practical for use with the wet comb method. |
| oils used by parents are tea tree and eucalyptus oil. | | | | Although repellents will reduce the risk of infestations, |
| Both have very strong smells, and both are | | | | this is by no means the only way you can help |
| renowned for their natural antiseptic properties, | | | | prevent an infestation. By adopting a few other |
| amongst other things. | | | | changes, such as keeping long hair tied back at all |
| There are no products containing these oils that have | | | | times, and teaching children about how the parasites |
| been approved or recommended by a health | | | | are transmitted, you should find that the risk of an |
| authority; however, medical professionals admit that | | | | infestation occurring is reduced further. |
| there is no harm in using these substances as a | | | | The important thing to remember is not to rely on |
| home brewed remedy for infestations, and many | | | | any single solution alone to prevent infestation |
| parents swear by the use of essential oils. | | | | problems in your home. Instead, use the repellent, |
| You can mix a few drops of the essential oils in | | | | the nit comb, and some practical advice daily. The |
| with your normal shampoo and conditioner. Leave the | | | | combination of solutions and remedies will help you |
| shampoo to work a little longer than usual to | | | | stave off possible parasitic invasions. However, it is |
| appreciate the benefits of the home made mixture. | | | | still no guarantee. Persistence is still the best |
| Alternatively, mix the oils with warm water, and | | | | prevention tool at your disposal; so have patience, be |
| use the mixture with a spray bottle. The mix can be | | | | diligent, and use a homemade repellent to help save |
| sprayed on wet or dry hair. | | | | money. |