A Tiny, Surprising Prep You’ll Be Glad You Have

Some lessons have to be learned the hard way, and I’m no different than any other folks when it comes to that. No matter how much I read about something, it isn’t the same as going through it myself. So it was with my recent, and hard won battle that found me adding a small, but mighty weapon to my bug out bag. Yes, this weapon can kill, but not who you might think. 

No, my new weapon is not a gun, aimed at dangerous SHTF intruders. With this weapon, I am fighting an almost invisible assailant. This weapon, you see, is a professional grade lice comb. When I recently picked up lice as a volunteer speaker in a local classroom, I had no idea what I was in for. Now I am so glad that I didn’t “mess around,” but, instead, got the most powerful anti-lice weapon available on the market. In this article, I am going to reflect on current issues with super lice and how SHTF dynamics could increase your risk of getting lice. Based on all of these issues, my new lice comb, like the champion it is, is going right into my BOB. 

Lice, Lice, Super Lice

In the good old days, certain pesticide-based treatments used to work to kill head lice almost all the time. However, over time, the lice, as often happens in nature, developed a resistance to these treatments. So, now there is a genetic variation of lice that can withstand these chemical treatments that used to kill their great great great grandparents. Perhaps, like rats, we will see a variation that actually ends up eating these pesticides? It’s hard to say.

As one might expect, studies have been done on these little super lice, and the news isn’t good. As long ago as 2014, it was found that most lice collected showed the genetic mutation that allows for resistance to permethrin pesticides. In fact, these super lice have spread all over the United States and Canada, not respecting the border at all! 

SHTF Dynamics and Lice

There are a number of dynamics that we could see in SHTF that could increase the risk of getting infested by lice. Even if you are able to bunk in at home, you may need to take in a number of family members/allies to defend and survive. Living in close quarters drastically increases your risk of getting lice. Grid down? Then, your option of killing lice on bedding and clothing in the clothes dryer is off your list of options. 

If, instead, you are on the move, then you may be staying in questionable places, putting your head on questionable pillows. If you don’t have a hat, you might pick one up that you find, and ooops! You have added another problem to your list of SHTF things to do.

Possible Harms of Not Having A Lice Comb when SHTF

Ya, those of you who are in the military might be already thinking, “I’m covered, as I keep my hair short and can’t get lice.” I’m sorry to break it to ya that any amount of hair is enough for those little critters to grab on to. And let’s face it: if the grid is down, how are you going to buzz cut anyhow? 

Some of the harms that come from lice should be taken seriously during SHTF: terrible itching can affect your sleep, as lice are most active at night. You need all the sleep you can get during SHTF! As well, for those who do get itchy, the scratching can cause secondary infections, and you don’t want precious medical resources going to that during SHTF, do you? 

Possible Benefits of Having a Lice Comb During SHTF

During SHTF, I see two huge benefits to having your own professional-level lice comb. First, in the absence of pharmacies, Amazon, doctors, and even professional lice centers (Aside: Here in Michigan, we have Rapunzel’s Head Lice Removal Boutique, but it’s not cheap!), you will have a tool to wet comb your hair with a special comb to at least manage, if not remove all lice from your own head. Second, if lice becomes a chronic problem in your area during SHTF (and I’m guessing it might!), you could be the only person with the proper tool to treat it….And that could make you popular…or it could be a good barter. “Yes, I’ll comb you, or you can use my comb, but I want XX and XX.” 

So, What DID I Buy???

When I need something of quality, I don’t mess around. Even though I’m on a budget, I do my research and buy what the experts recommend. I found a great website created by a nurse in the lice biz. She works in a lice center and uses the Nit-Free Terminator.

It weighs less than 2 ounces. The comb is flat, less than 3” wide, and less than 4” long. And get this: it costs less than $13!!! To use it properly, all you need is to wet your hair and comb through methodically and carefully, starting as close to the scalp as possible. In my opinion, if you do this every other day, you could end or at least maintain control over any lice infestation.

So, for me, buying this comb was a no-brainer. At the moment when the nape of my neck was red, itchy, and bumpy from lice bites, I would have happily paid $100 for this, but don’t tell them that!!! 

Lice…Bug OUT Your Bug Out Bag!

For a small investment, you can prevent a big problem during SHTF.

Do you currently have any treatments for lice in your BOB? What do you think about adding one? Have you ever had to treat for lice in your family?

Please tell us about it in the comments section.