Eggs are laid by the female louse. They are about the size of a poppy seed and are difficult to see because their color easily blends in with the infested child's hair. Eggs are laid near the root of the hair and are attached with a waterproof, glue-like substance that can't be washed or blown away.

Nits are the empty eggshells left behind when lice hatch from eggs. Dandruff, sand and flakes of hairspray are commonly mistaken for eggs or nits. Eggs & nits are not easily removed and must be carefully combed out with a fine-toothed comb.

Nits vary in color - from yellowish-brown to white. Since the hair grows, nits are usually found further away from the root of the hair. Many schools have a "No Nit Policy," which means children who have had head lice are not readmitted to school until all the nits are gone. If your child has head lice, it is very important to comb out eggs & nits as part of the lice elimination process.