Australian parents warned about "super lice"

Head lice are the bane of most parents' lives - but a new, super-strength parasite is now also scratching at their hip pockets.

'Super lice' are much harder to kill than their ordinary counterparts and experts warn parents are wasting their cash on products that won't do the job.

University of SA Associate Professor Craig Williams has been researching ways to outwit the nits, but has discovered they are outwitting us instead.

"Super lice would be the name we would give to lice that have become resistant to some of the treatments to kill them," he told 7NEWS.

Williams says over-the-counter chemical treatments, such as Malathion, Permethrin and Pyrethrin, have lost their potency.

However, research shows essential oils, in particular products containing tea-tree oil, are money well-spent in the fight against head lice.

Some are turning to the professionals for help.

Five-year-old Lily has suffered her second lice infestation, driving her parents to desperate measures after nothing seemed to eradicate the parasites.

Williams says over-the-counter chemical treatments, such as Malathion, Permethrin and Pyrethrin, have lost their potency.

However, research shows essential oils, in particular products containing tea-tree oil, are money well-spent in the fight against head lice.

Some are turning to the professionals for help.

Five-year-old Lily has suffered her second lice infestation, driving her parents to desperate measures after nothing seemed to eradicate the parasites.

Cheapest is best

Williams says the spread of 'super lice' is just like antibiotic resistence - the more we use insecticides, the bigger the problem becomes.

The good news? The cheapest solution of all still works, with no chance the parasites will become immune.

"Cheap hair conditioner and a nit comb, and manually comb them out," Williams said.

Although it won't cost you money, be prepared - the tried-and-true method will cost time.