Head lice can be a problem that's all too common among school children, and getting rid of lice is neither easy nor pleasant. The lice can be seen quite easily. They are brown colored and very small. They are parasitic insects, and they can be spread from person to person by hair, or head contact. The cause itching and discomfort through their bites.

1. The first thing to do if someone is infected is to immediately stop sharing things like, towels, hats, clothes, bed linen, and most definitely, combs and hairbrushes. This will limit the likely spread of the parasite.

2. One home remedy that is claimed to work is to kill head lice is mayonnaise. Simply cover the whole hair area of the head with mayonnaise and rub in gently. Then cover with plastic -- a supermarket bag, or similar plastic wrapping -- and leave on for thirty minutes or so. Then shampoo thoroughly, trying to remove all the eggs and nits.

3. Another excellent smothering agent is olive oil. In laboratory tests olive oil has been found to be perhaps the best substance to smother the lice nits with. Apply the olive oil as above, and leave on for thirty minutes or so, then shampoo off.

You should be aware that all clothes, etc might still contain contamination. One way to kill off all remaining nits is through dry heat. Put clothes in a hot dryer for thirty minutes until it is too hot for comfortable touch. This is one effective way of getting rid of lice, and should kill them all off as well as their eggs.