Which type of pest is likely to lay eggs in the human hair?

Lice are specifically adapted to live in human hair and are known for laying their eggs, commonly referred to as nits, directly on the hair shafts close to the scalp. This behavior is a critical part of their life cycle, as the warmth and proximity to the human scalp provide an ideal environment for the eggs to hatch. Lice are obligate ectoparasites, which means they depend on a host to survive, and human hair provides them not only with a habitat but also with a source of nourishment.

Fleas usually infest animals and are not known to lay eggs in human hair. Mites can affect humans but typically dwell in the skin or other areas of the body, and while certain types of mites can infest hair follicles, they do not lay eggs in the hair itself. Ticks are external parasites that attach to the skin of hosts, but they do not lay eggs in hair; instead, they'll drop off to lay eggs in the environment. Therefore, lice are the only option among the choices provided that specifically lays eggs in human hair.