Head lice are a nightmare. So are the pesticides used to kill them, which, according to some studies, can cause neurological side effects.

Mobile services are popping up throughout the Bay Area that exterminate the pesky critters without unhealthy measures or even a trip outside the house. For example, Menlo Park-based Nitxies Lice Removal (nitxies.com) provides in-home services for Bay Area children, ages 4 and older, using the LouseBuster Device ™ to kill all stages of lice in just one half-hour heat treatment.

San Jose-based Nitbusterz (nitbusterz.com) is committed to ridding families in all Bay Area counties of nasty nits by using a non-chemical, enzyme-based spray that makes combing out the critters with a specially designed comb much easier. Originally from Southern California, Nit Picky (nit-picky.com) has made its way to NorCal offering a one-time treatment using manual removal and its own enzyme-based product line infused with essential oils.

If you would prefer to take your child to a salon, LoveBugs (lovebugslice.com) in Lafayette and Los Altos uses a non-toxic, organic, 100 percent vegetarian, 100 percent natural formula that is never tested on animals.

So, take the headache – more specifically the neuro-toxins – out of head lice removal by giving your child an effective, chemical-free treatment.

– Tiffany Carboni