Bug Busting | FAQ | Mistaken advice | Schools | Cochrane Comments | Lice Congress | BMJ article

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Bug Busting?
• What is the Bug Buster Kit?
• How can I get hold of a Kit?
• How does it work?
• If someone uses Bug Busting,
  will this stop them catching
  head lice again from someone else?
• How does Bug Busting compare
  to other treatments?
• Is there a lot of mistaken advice about head lice?
• What about a schools programme?
• When are the National Bug Busting Days?

What is Bug Busting?

Bug Busting is a head louse detection and eradication method that is by far the best way to deal with the problem. Instead of relying on products containing neuro-toxic pesticides or other expensive ingredients, Bug Busting works by combining our specially designed combs with your usual shampoo and conditioner.

What is the family Bug Buster Kit?

The Kit is everything you need to bust the bug. It contains specially designed combs which will work with your usual shampoo and conditioner to get rid of head lice. Successful Bug Busting requires that you follow the method rigorously, and the Kit will show you, in a very clear and simple way, how to do this. You only need one Bug Buster Kit because it is reusable.

How can I get hold of a Kit?

You can buy the Kit online from this site. Click here for more details.

How does it work?

The Bug Busting method is the most reliable way of determining whether someone has lice - even if you were to use another product such as a lotion or rinse, you would have to Bug Bust afterwards to be sure that it had worked! But Bug Busting is much more than a detection method, and by Bug Busting four times spaced over two weeks, you will actually break the life cycle of the lice, stopping them from spreading and reproducing. This is without using pesticides, which are potentially harmful and often of no use, because the head louse, like many pest insects, can quickly build up resistance (immunity).

If someone uses Bug Busting, will this stop them catching head lice again from someone else?

No, head lice are easily caught by head to head contact with someone else who has them. No treatment acts as a 'vaccine' against head lice. However, if everybody starts Bug Busting together , head lice can be stopped in their tracks. And by explaining and co-ordinating Bug Busting at the school, local authority and national levels as well as to individual families, we can work towards this goal. Bug Busting is a national and increasingly international programme. Community Hygiene Concern, as a charity, is committed to helping parents and healthcare providers with a lasting solution to head lice. The Bug Busting programme, with proper use of the Bug Buster Kit shows the way.

How does Bug Busting compare to other treatments?

All experts agree no medication should be used unless a live louse has been detected to prove infestation is active. Combing wet, conditioned hair with a Bug Buster comb is a reliable detection method even when very few lice are present (wet lice stay still); dry or damp lice move quickly away from disturbance evading detection. An authoritative review of the effectiveness of current treatments for head lice has been published in the Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin (Does dimeticone clear head lice? Drug Ther Bull 1 July 2007 45(7): p52-55). The full text is available via Infotrieve here. The Bug Buster Kit is a registered medical device. As with treatments which are licensed medicines, the Bug Buster Kit is available on NHS prescription, free for children, and can be purchased or ordered in a pharmacy (pip-code 233-1783) or direct from us with a demonstration DVD. You can find the Kit and DVD on our Products page.

Is there a lot of mistaken advice about head lice?

Unfortunately, yes, there is. Click here for some examples.

What about a schools programme?

Yes, we have one! Click here for more details.

When are the National Bug Busting Days?

The National Bug Busting Days are and 31 January, 15 June and 31 October See our schools programme for more details.