Why isn’t Pollen a popular child’s name? There’s so much stigma attached to it!
But seriously, seasonal allergies are nothing to sneeze and have been causing us grief for eons.
Not all pollen is your sinuses worst nightmare
Did you that the pollen that causes allergies isn’t usually the substance carried from plant to plant by insects such as butterflies and bees? It’s seasonal and varies in each geographical location. In mildly temperate areas, trees pollinate in the spring, grass in the middle of the warm season, and weeds in the Autumn leading up to the first frost. In warmer climates, pollination can occur any time of year.
The types of pollen that most often cause allergies are made by plants (trees, grasses, and weeds) that don’t have flowers and it resembles small, yellow light and dry granules – and you’ll be noticing it now on your car and outdoor furniture.
And if you think all of this malarkey will blow over, wind is your worst enemy especially around now when the NorWesters start to become more frequent starting up in spring.
Key tips for reducing pollen exposure around your home
1.Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible, air-conditioning and ventilation systems can also help control entry and filtration of allergens. Units with nano-fibre filtration helps to reduce most of the common airborne allergy triggers from the incoming air to your home.
2.Change your HVAC filters; HEPA filters can help trap more pollen. Note: HEPA filters should be changed monthly. You and your nostrils will find the extra expense well worth it!
3.When going indoors wipe your feet on the door mat, remove shoes and outerwear as soon as you enter the house especially if you’ve been out walking. Change your clothes outside or in the laundry before coming indoors.
4.Keep the car in the garage or at least the windows closed if you park outside all day for work, give it a spray inside and out frequently.
5.Tie your hair up when outdoors – it’s a pollen magnet. If you don’t wash it out before bed, you’ll likely have pollen-covered pillowcases – not so good if you’re a snorer!
6.Don’t get too carried away with the leaf blowing this spring and summer, or outsource this to a lucky housemate or even better – a professional!
7.Depollinate your pets! Give them a good brushing and wipe their paws before they carry allergens throughout your home after being outside
8.Vacuum regularly and empty bagless stick cleaners outside in your rubbish bin.
9.Keep up your dusting duties, maintain clean porches and house down outdoor lounge suites etc especially after windy days.
10.If you have a medical mask why not wear it outside when gardening?!
Should you use an air purifier?
It depends on how annoying your allergy is, many home aircon and ventilation systems help reduce pollen and other particulates, it’s worth the extra investment if you feel that hayfever ruins your life!
You might won’t to look out for these if you’re looking at building new or upgrading your home heating and air flow systems:
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter: A very common and effective option used in many home air control systems and even vacuums
- Activated carbon: Usually used with a HEPA filter or another filter, activated carbon can help reduce pollution by attracting some chemicals, which bond to the surface of the carbon.
We hope you find our tips helpful and that you can save money on expensive histamines this season!
