Protect Your Home Against These Allergens in Bowling Green, FL

When it comes to living in Bowling Green, FL, you may suffer from high pollen levels due to the year-round warm climate. But apart from pollen, you have to worry about other common allergens that could enter your home. Here are five household allergens you need to protect yourself and your household against:

Pollen

Different types of trees, grass and flowers create pollen that can easily enter your home. Pollen is a very fine powder carried by the breeze, and it can travel several miles. It can irritate the respiratory system, causing sneezing and stuffy noses, particularly in spring and fall.

The good news is that you can track pollen, so check the pollen index in Bowling Green before opening your windows and doors. While you have your home shut for a while, make sure to turn on your air conditioner. This helps control dust mites, especially when it’s warm and humidity is high, while also keeping everyone comfortable.

Biological Growth

Microbial thrives in wet and dark areas, such as your kitchen and bathroom. Like pollen, you can reduce the likelihood of these contaminants spreading and multiplying in your home by using dehumidifiers. It also helps to tell household members to avoid running showers for a long time.

Having a lot of plants indoors may relieve stress and even help with air purification, but it also encourages biological growth. Therefore, it’s best to limit yourself to a few houseplants, especially if you’re already spotting microbial growth.

Insects

Cockroaches are among the most common insects that homeowners deal with. The best approach here is to ensure that you never leave food uncovered. Some other tricks you can turn to include using boric acid and poison baits to eliminate these pests.

Chemical sprays and similar products help kill cockroaches and other insects that may cause allergies in your household. However, it’s better to use traps to avoid triggering asthma and sinus infections.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are everywhere and can quickly cause sneezing, itchiness and even watery eyes. It helps to keep surfaces clean, especially in the bedroom, where you spend a lot of your time.

If you can, avoid wall-to-wall carpeting and use low-pile area rugs instead. Another option is to keep floors and walls mostly bare, with just a few small throw rugs that you can easily wash.

If you still use heavy drapes or furniture with overstuffed fabric, it may be time to replace them with lighter materials. Consider washable curtains and roll-down shades, especially if people in your house often have sneezing fits.

Pet Dander and More

Doctors suggest that people with allergies to animal dander should avoid having pets with fur and feathers. Unfortunately, fully hypoallergenic pets don’t exist — even poodles and Yorkies shed dander. The good news is certain types of animal dander contain fewer allergenic proteins, resulting in fewer or no symptoms, even for individuals with allergies.

Pet dander can cause red or itchy eyes, sneezing and runny noses, as well as coughing and wheezing. Regular cleaning, including vacuuming with a HEPA-filter-equipped vacuum, can help reduce allergy symptoms. Washing bedding and ensuring surfaces are clean can lower the presence of airborne proteins from animal skin cells in your home.

Dander isn’t the only potential allergen that goes hand-in-hand with pets. Their saliva and excrement can also contribute to allergies, and other allergens outside can cling to their fur when you bring them back indoors. Bathe your pet regularly to minimize this, though be mindful of the recommended frequency so you don’t dry out their skin.

Our company has been offering residential air conditioning and heating services since 1995. Whether you need to improve your indoor air quality or install a suitable HVAC system, call our team at Miller’s Central Air, Inc. We’ll do a great job for you.

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