pollen

Pollen

Trees in spring, grass in summer, and/or weeds in fall.

  • Monitor the pollen counts so you know when your pollen allergies are in the air www.aaai.org/nab
  • Minimize outdoor activity between 5am-10am (pollen counts are highest then)
  • Keep car windows closed and use the “Return Air” function of air conditioner
  • Keep house windows closed
Cat

Dust Mites

Dust Mites live in the mattress, box spring, pillows,carpets, and upholstered furniture.

  • Place dust mite proof covers/encasings on mattress, pillows, and box spring
  • Remove stuffed animals and extra pillows from the bed
  • Wash sheets, bed linens, and bedclothes in hot water each week
  • Vacuum carpets each week (ideally have someone else vacuum or wear a mask)
  • Consider getting a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner
  • Reduce humidity in the house to < 60% using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier
Mold

Mold

Outdoor Mold

  • Mold is most abundant in the late summer and fall and grows in damp or humid places
  • Avoid compost piles, decaying leaf piles, excavation sites and mulch
  • Mowing the grass can stir up mold living in the grass down along the dirt
  • Raking leaves stirs up the mold living under the leaves

Indoor Mold

  • Mold can grow in wet, damp, and/or poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, or other places with water.
  • Fix any known water leaks and remove mold-damaged building materials
  • Clean visible mold with dilute bleach solution : 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water
  • Reduce humidity in the house to <60% using your AC or a dehumidifier
  • Consider getting a room air purifier for the bedroom (i.e. HEPA filter) or a whole house air filtration system
  • CAUTION with humidifiers: If you decide to use one, you must clean and/or replace the filters VERY FREQUENTLY.
Animals

When it comes to allergies... we are pet friendly.

Animal Dander

  • Keep pets out of the bedroom at all times (daytime too)
  • Keep pets off of furniture and counter tops
  • Consider getting a room air purifier for the bedroom (i.e. HEPA filter) or a whole house air filtration system
  • More frequent bathing of your pets can help
  • Groom your pets outdoors
  • Wash hands after touching pets