CAUTION: This Bug Could Be Targeting Kids in Michigan This Winter

Any parent who's ever battled head lice can tell you - it's not fun. It can be a nightmare trying to remove the insects from your child's hair. And, this winter, it just may become a problem here in Michigan.

How'd they end up with lice in the first place?

Get our free mobile app

How Head Lice Spread From One Person to Another

The most common way that head lice spread from one person to another is "direct head-to-head contact, often within a family or among children who have close contact at school or play," according to Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, that's not the only way that head lice can spread.

Although uncommon, head lice can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings. This happens when lice crawl, or nits attached to shed hair hatch, and get on the shared clothing or belongings. Examples include sharing clothing (hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms) or articles (hair ribbons, barrettes, combs, brushes, towels, stuffed animals) recently worn or used by an infested person; or lying on a bed, couch, pillow, or carpet that has recently been in contact with an infested person.

Can Sharing Winter Hats Cause Head Lice to Spread?

While it's unlikely, it's not impossible for head lice to spread from one person to another by sharing winter hats.

RELATED: Keep an Eye Out for Botflies on Your Michigan Pets [PICTURES]

That being said - it's probably still a good idea to make sure every child uses his or her own winter hat to avoid the possibility.