News Health & Medicine Bug be gone By Nathan Seppa November 20, 2006 at 1:06 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print An experimental device kills head lice by blow-drying them to death, offering a potential alternative to chemical treatments and tedious combing. As lice have become resistant to chemical shampoos, scientists have been trying new approaches (SN: 8/20/05, p. 116: Available to subscribers at Comb over Chemicals: Tool may rid heads of pesticideproof lice). Researchers tested several blowers against lice and their eggs, or nits, on 169 children with head lice.