Q.Head lice can live off the head for up to three weeks.

A.False. Head lice DO NOT live off the head. In fact they don’t want to leave the head and it is their misfortune if they find themselves on your towel, pillowcase, pj’s, etc. Head lice can only survive off the head away from a blood meal for approximately 24 hours, give or take a little. They quickly begin to dehydrate after 12 hours of missed feedings when off the head and once that process begins they are not going to recover. Nymphs require a blood meal every 2 to 3 hours, adult bugs feed every 6 hours.