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Ladibugs is a local business that specializes in lice prevention and elimination without dangerous chemicals.
Both adults and children are susceptible to contracting Pediculus Humanus Capitis (head louse). Schools, camps, and nursing homes are consistently facing lice infestation, and the standard treatment process involves chemicals such as Lindane, Malathion, and Permethrin. Each of the chemicals target different areas of the body and leave implications on health:
- Lindane: neurological effects, cancer, blood disorders, endocrine disruption, liver toxicity, reproductive effects, and immunological effects
- Malathion: Nervous system and endocrine disruptors
In particular, children are more susceptible and sensitive due to less developed immune systems and detoxification. In other words, children are growing bodies and are less able to process these chemicals. Lisa Rudquist and Rachel Knutson are the ladies who wanted to get the bug out, but they were frustrated with traditional treatment products available for their daughters. From there, they had a desire to develop Ladibugs to be a product without using harmful chemicals and are still effective. Ladibugs is an organization that specializes in a natural alternative to lice prevention and elimination. The mission of Ladibugs is to eliminate lice in safe and natural processes. In addition, Ladibugs is committed to educate, treat, and make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Ladibugs provide a full line of pesticide-free head lice products including shampoo, conditioner, mousse, mint spray, mint serum, and mint detangling spray. The line is a natural alternative proven to be more effective without the fear of harmful side effects.
The solution includes:
- No pesticides
- Essential oils (Such as peppermint, spearmint, and neem)
- 100% renewable resources
- 100% biodegradable
- 96% natural resources
What Challenges Needed to be Overcome?
Both Ruquist and Knutson have a background in nursing, and they were challenged with different disciplines such as sales and budgeting at first. Since launching their haircare line, Ladibugs opened the first lice removal center and provided a 24/7 helpline. Ladibugs also offers a waterless and non-chemical treatment. The AirAllé system applies direct heats to all areas of the scalp and hair. The lice, nits, and eggs are killed due to the dry hair.
What’s Next?
Anyone is susceptible to acquire lice, and the organization continues to work on safe practices for prevention and elimination. Ladibugs continues to work with camps, school districts, and health professionals to expand education on head lice.
Clean Water Action, in cooperation with Clean Water Fund, have reviewed publicly available information presented by the companies and individuals highlighted in the Profiles in Prevention. We have provided this information to the companies and individuals for review. Being highlighted in Profiles in Prevention does not indicate any endorsement of the company or any of its products. Clean Water Action is not responsible for any misinformation that may be presented in the original source documents. For any questions, please email cwa(at)cleanwater(.)org.
