What to Use to Kill Lice in Riding Helmets

Lice are small, gray parasitic insects, about the size of a sesame seed, that live on the scalp and neck hairs of humans. They have six legs that grasp hair shafts and are equal opportunity parasites in that they will easily infest clean hair as well as dirty.
They are acquired by direct head-to-head contact with an infested person's hair; but may be transferred by sharing combs, hats or other hair accessories--such as riding helmets--and may also remain on bedding or furniture for a brief time.

Signs of a lice infestation

• Signs of a lice infestation include an itchy head; especially if it's worse behind the ears and the back of the neck. Nits, or eggs, are found stuck to the hair as it grows out and your pillow has what appear to be dirt spots, which are indicative of lice droppings.

Killing lice in riding helmets

• There are a few methods to try in order to get rid of lice in a helmet. Vacuum out the helmet and then wash it with hot, soapy water. Foam fitting pads and nylon straps that are detachable can also be washed.
  Seal the helmet in a plastic bag for two weeks until any lice hatched from an egg are dead; lice cannot survive for more than 24 hours away from a human host as they feed on their blood, while any nits left in the helmet can survive for up to 10 days.
  Spray delousers can be used and are found at pharmacies. Thyme oil, which was discovered in 1713 as a disinfectant, can be used in helmets to kill lice nits.
  Although microwave ovens are good for killing lice on some items, never place a helmet inside as it can be damaged. Some cleaning solvents can also cause invisible damage to a helmet, that could affect its performance. Always check the helmet manufacturer's guidelines before using any products on your riding helmet.