Nits outwit the winter

Head lice are flourishing at schools and daycares in the warm winter weather.

Owner of the Nit Crew in Auckland, Hiria Tribble, said the crawling critters were thriving in the unseasonable temperatures.

‘‘I would suggest it’s been about a 50 per cent increase this winter,’’ she said.

‘‘We’ve definitely have had a lot of people coming through as a result of the more mild weather.’’

Tribble said that although she treated people year-round, her business was typically busiest during summer. Except for this year. ‘‘We’ve had people here all through winter. It’s been really consistently busy.’’

Parents and teachers need not worry, as nits could be treated effectively, she said.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said winds had brought abnormally mild mid-winter temperatures to many parts of the country. Weekend-temperature records were likely to tumble.