Is it possible to freeze head lice?

Head lice can be killed by freezing, although it is not the most convenient method, as stated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To fully kill head lice on affected items, they need to be kept frozen for several days, depending on temperature and level of humidity.

Freezing is rarely needed for treating head lice, says the CDC. Washing items at high temperatures of greater than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or dry cleaning them, can effectively kill head lice and are preferable to freezing. The only items that need to be cleaned from head lice are the ones that have been in contact with the infested person within 48 hours before the beginning of treatment.