Reducing Spring Allergens in Your Home

This spring is the perfect time to focus on cleaning up your indoor air. Below are some of the most common household allergens that may be irritating you.

Dust Mites
The most common allergy and asthma symptom trigger, dust mites are microscopic insects that feed on human skin flakes and thrive in rooms that are above 40 percent humidity and 70 degrees. They prefer bedding and soft furnishings but can be found anywhere in your house. To ward off dust mites, use allergen-proof pillowcases and bedding, and wash linens in 130-degree temperatures every 10 days or so. If your home is too humid, consider a dehumidifier as well, to discourage these respiratory pests.

Cockroaches
No one wants cockroaches in their home, but did you know they can cause breathing problems and exacerbate asthma? The irritating allergens are found in the saliva and feces of cockroaches. If you find evidence of a roach, it’s vital to call an exterminator. Then block off all cracks and crevices in walls and windows. Keep your food in containers with lids, put away pet dishes, clean up after meals, take garbage out promptly, and fix any leaky faucets or pipes, because roaches need such water to survive.

Pollen
You might be surprised to learn that pollen isn’t just an issue outdoors. Pollen can become a significant problem indoors when you unwittingly bring it into your home on your clothing or shoes. Pets can also bring pollen into the home, causing people to think they’re allergic to their pets when it may be an allergy to ragweed or another type of pollen. To keep pollen at bay, wipe your pets down when they return from the outdoors, keep windows closed in your home and run air conditioning during warm weather, and change your clothes and shoes immediately after coming inside. Add an air purifier with a HEPA filter to your home to clean the air and keep about 80 percent of pollen out of your home.