How do I know if it's nits?

[Sugarmag]

About a week ago I noticed lots of little white specs in DDs hair. At first I assumed it was just dandruff - she's never had any skin problems before but her hair has seemed a bit dry lately. Yesterday she was out playing in the garden (right in the shrubs for some reason known only to herself!) and when she came back in I noticed lots of really tiny little bugs in her hair. Washed and combed her hair (with just normal shampoo and comb) - the bugs went but the little white specs are still there.

How do I know if this is head lice or if it is just dandruff + flies from the garden? if it's lice I'll need to tell the nursery but really don't want to tell anyone if it isn't! Help please.

My daughters of 7 and 5 had headlice on and off in the previous school year. I don't find that conditioning and combing works. The little buggers are so small, you've only got to miss one, who then goes and lays some more eggs and off you go again.

I find Prioderm kills the buggers and tea tree oil keeps them at bay. We have had the headlice letter several times this year, but no nits on us, hurray!