When you think of allergies, you probably think of the pollen that leads to hay fever. While pollen is one of the most common allergens, it’s far from the only one. 

After spring and summer have passed, indoor allergens become a major cause of allergy symptoms in people throughout the country. Indoor allergens can be difficult to identify and, unfortunately, often cause serious discomfort. But by learning about common indoor allergens, you can start to reduce their impact on your household. 

Let’s learn about the most prevalent indoor allergens and what you can do to minimize them this winter. 

Dust Mites

Dust mites live in furniture, bedding, mattresses, carpeting, and other soft surfaces throughout your home. These mites are too small to see with the naked human eye and are one of the most common causes of indoor allergy symptoms. Dust mites consume the dead human skin cells that are present in dust and can, thus, be present in just about any household. Additionally, dust mites absorb moisture in their air, which makes them more likely to be found in humid Florida homes.

The best ways to minimize dust mites are regular cleaning and humidity management. Cleaning carpets, bedding, upholstered furniture, and curtains regularly will help remove dust and dust mites from your home.  If the item can be washed in a machine, using hot water is best.  

Mold

Indoor mold is another potential cause of allergy symptoms. Mold can develop inside of homes for many reasons, with water mold being the most common. Water mold forms due to excess moisture and is typically apparent in walls or ceilings. Mold is more likely to form in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, as appliances, water fixtures, and cooking can naturally lead to excess moisture. Mold counts outside in Florida can be very high as well.

The best way to avoid mold in your home is to ensure any leaks are fixed and water sources minimized. Keep an eye on your window sills. If you notice condensation, you may need to have your windows replaced to keep excess moisture out. 

Pet Dander

Pet dander is made up of the particles of skin that pets shed regularly. Many people are allergic to pet dander, making it a significant allergy trigger. If you have a pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rodent, or even a bird, managing pet dander is important to reducing indoor allergy symptoms. 

You can reduce pet dander in your home in much the same way as you can remove dust mites. Clean your home regularly, including your bedding and carpeting. Bathing your pets regularly will also help reduce the dander that they shed throughout the home. 

For more information about common indoor allergens, contact Allergy Tampa today.