tea tree oil to fight head lice

It seems that at the beginning of every school year there is an outbreak of head lice among school children. The head lice, appearing as small grayish white specs, bite and puncture the scalp, causing pain and itching. The problem may persist due to the hatching of new eggs approximately every two weeks. Since head lice is contagious, it can be widespread. Head lice is often transmitted by combs, brushes, hats, bed linens, etc. I once spoke to a Dallas school nurse who voiced concern regarding the use of chemically-based shampoos the standard treatment for children's head lice. She expressed a great deal of interest in being able to offer tea tree oil as a natural substitute.