What does fact checked mean?
At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How to Rid Lice From Baseball Helmets

Lice are highly contagious and move among people, especially children, at an alarming rate. Lice move by jumping from one individual to the next or by the sharing of clothing such as towels, hats or helmets. They then dig into the scalp and cause constant itching. Because baseball teams share batting helmets, lice can be spread easily among team members. When lice are suspected in baseball helmets, steps must be taken to kill and eradicate the lice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advises that all individuals in a household where lice has been located be inspected to guard against reinfestation.
Vacuum inside and outside the helmet with a hand vacuum. Empty the hand vacuum into a small plastic bag and place it in an outside garbage can.
Spray the entire helmet with lice spray. Make sure the entire helmet is covered with the lice spray.
Place the helmet into a garbage bag and tie the ends securely to create a tight seal.
Leave the helmet in the garbage bag for two weeks.
Remove the helmet from the garbage bag after two weeks and wash the helmet with hot, sudsy water. Dry the helmet with a clean cloth. Discard the garbage bag in an outside garbage can.
Tips
Inspect your child’s head regularly for lice, especially if he is involved in team sports where helmets are used and shared.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Head Lice Treatment
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Head lice: Overview. 2008 Mar 5 [Updated 2018 Dec 13].
- Rassami W, Soonwera M. Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2(11):901–904. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60250-0
- van der Wouden JC, Klootwijk T, Le Cleach L, et al. Interventions for treating head lice. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(5):CD009321. Published 2018 May 22. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009321.pub2
- Bin Saif GA, Ericson ME, Yosipovitch G. The itchy scalp--scratching for an explanation. Exp Dermatol. 2011;20(12):959–968. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01389.x
- Head lice infestations: A clinical update. Paediatr Child Health. 2004;9(9):647–657. doi:10.1093/pch/9.9.647
- Izri A, Chosidow O. Efficacy of machine laundering to eradicate head lice: recommendations to decontaminate washable clothes, linens, and fomites. Clin Infect Dis. 2006;42(2):e9–e10. doi:10.1086/499105
- Değerli S, Malatyalı E, Mumcuoğlu KY. Head lice prevalence and associated factors in two boarding schools in Sivas. Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2013;37(1):32–35. doi:10.5152/tpd.2013.08
- Greive KA, Barnes TM. In vitro comparison of four treatments which discourage infestation by head lice. Parasitol Res. 2012;110(5):1695–1699. doi:10.1007/s00436-011-2687-7
- Devore CD, Schutze GE. Head lice. Pediatrics. 2015;135(5):e1355-65.
- Devore CD, Schutze GE; Council on School Health and Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics. Head lice. Pediatrics. 2015 May;135(5):e1355-65. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0746
Tips
- Inspect your child's head regularly for lice, especially if he is involved in team sports where helmets are used and shared.
Writer Bio
Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She gained expertise in home improvement after she and her husband built their home themselves.