As just about all parents find out at some point in their child's life, head lice are a common pest that affect almost all children at some point. Whether they become infected after sharing a hat or a hug at school, switching off batting helmets at practice, or playing with a friend that doesn't know she has lice, they are very common and easy to get.

One of the first things a parent will do when they find that their child has head lice is try to find the best head lice treatment. The most common of these treatments involves an over-the-counter lice shampoo from your local pharmacy or retail store.

What some people do not realize is that pubic lice and head lice are not the same type of bug. So, you do not have to worry that the lice have traveled elsewhere on the body necessitating using the head lice treatment everywhere. If you or your child has head lice, you only need to worry about applying the special shampoos to your head.

As an alternative to using lice shampoo as a head lice treatment, one might search the Web for treatments for lice that save money and avoid using artificial chemicals. Examples of these alternative treatments are using baby oil or vegetable oil at night to coat your hair while sleeping. These liquids suffocate and kill the lice.

It is important to be aware that no matter which head lice treatment you use, bedding as well as furniture must also be cleaned to rid them of lice. Lice can survive in a couch or on pillows for up to three weeks without needing to be on a human. Children's stuffed animals or coats and hats also are havens for lice and they too must be cleaned to ensure that your home is free from lice.

Finally, remember that anyone is susceptible to getting head lice. No matter how clean a family is, any contact with others, means the chance that lice can spread to them. Lice need to be exterminated completely. If they are not successfully eliminated you will experience a return bout of infestation and you will have to begin your regime all over.