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DDT Dust for the Control of Head Lice^1,2,

Many requests, especially from school officials and civic organizations, have been made to the Texas State Department of Health concerning head louse control. A detailed report upon our experience, including methods of application, amount of DDT dust applied, and effectiveness of the insecticide, is given in this paper.

In addition to being a pest, the head louse, Pediculus humanus var capitis de Greer, has also been found capable of transmitting important diseases such as typhus and trench fevers. Various insecticides, including many home remedies, have been used for treating infested persons with varying degrees of success. These treatments in the main have been messy and have required repeated applications. Dusting with DDT powder appears to be an easier and more effective treatment.

In February, 1946, arrangements were made through the Hidalgo County Health Officer and officials of the Roosevelt School, McAllen, Texas, and the Saint Joseph School, Donna, Texas, to treat some of the children enrolled in these schools.

¹ The authors wish to express their appreciation to Dr. Mary Walton, Director, Hidalgo County Health Unit, for her assistance in this work.

² From the Texas State Department of Health, Austin, Texas.