The beggar's lice is native to the northeastern United States and Canada. Its natural habitat includes woodland areas, thickets, disturbed ground, and areas with part shade.

Beggar's lice originates from North America. This plant is categorized as a weed due to its fast and resilient reproduction, which is detrimental, especially to gardens. It produces a large number of seeds that are equipped with special barbs. These barbs allow the seeds to cling onto animals, human clothing, and fur, disseminating them across a wide geographical area which aids in its rapid spread. Its potential to harm arises from its quick spread, as it takes up space and outcompetes domestic plants for light, nutrients, and water in the garden. Notably, beggar's lice also acts as a host for some viruses which can further harm other plants. Mainly, the spread of beggar's lice is through its successfully adapted seeds which latch onto passing animals, enabling them to traverse far from the parent plant. This simple but effective means of dispersal significantly contributes to the weed's invasiveness.

The optimal season for removing beggar's lice is in the early summer. The plant should ideally be removed before it produces seed pods to avoid re-infestation. Here are some organic and interesting ways to control or remove the plant: