Your Guide to Managing Fall Allergens

Prepare for fall allergens with proactive strategies and tips to help minimize exposure and enjoy a more comfortable and vibrant autumn season.

As the season of vivid leaves and brisk air takes over, it also brings an unwelcome guest for many — allergies. Ragweed pollen, mold spores from damp foliage, and dust mites stirred up by heaters can quickly dampen the cozy vibes of autumn.

While we’ve all heard about these usual suspects that contribute to allergy season, there’s more to the story of fall allergens. Exploring innovative ways to help minimize them can help you prepare for fall allergens more effectively.

Uncommon fall allergens

When you think of fall allergens, ragweed likely tops the list. Yet, there are several other hidden culprits that might be flying under your radar:

1. Compost and rotting materials
While composting is an excellent eco-friendly habit, decomposing organic material can release mold spores into the air. This can become particularly problematic during fall, as the mix of cool evenings and damp weather creates prime conditions for mold growth.

How to manage it: If you maintain a compost pile, keep it far from your home's entrances and windows. Regularly turn the compost to manage moisture levels and cover it with dry leaves or straw to reduce airborne spores.

2. Outdoor bonfires
Bonfires are a beloved autumn tradition. However, burning wood can release particulate matter and fine ash into the air, which can irritate airways and compound allergy symptoms.

How to manage it: Only burn seasoned, dry wood, which burns cleaner and hotter, or consider using propane fire pits as a cleaner alternative.

3. Late-blooming weeds and fungi
Plants like sagebrush, Russian thistle and lamb’s quarters are late bloomers that continue to shed pollen until frost sets in. Additionally, leaf piles left undisturbed can harbor more than just mold; they can be home to fungi like Cladosporium.

How to manage it: Clear yard debris promptly and wear a mask when raking leaves to minimize exposure.

Preventative measures for fall allergens

Traditional advice like changing filters and keeping windows closed during high pollen count times can be effective, but what else can you try? Here are some next-level preventative measures:

1. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I changed my HVAC air filter?”
Regularly changing HVAC air filters is important for optimal performance. Consider using the Filtrete™ Smart App (iOS or Android) for 90-, 180-, or 365-day reminders. We recommend using MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating) 1900 + MERV 13 for 1″ air filters, and 2″ – 6″ air filters.

Ventilation traps

Consider installing pollen screens on your windows and external vents. These are specially designed to help reduce the entry of outdoor allergens like pollen, while allowing fresh air inside. They can be useful during warmer fall days when opening windows is common. Certified pollen screens, as highlighted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Ltd, are rigorously tested to block most airborne allergens, maintain performance through cleaning, and ensure low levels of allergenic chemicals and volatile organic compound emissions.¹

2. Indoor air plant choices
Some houseplants may worsen allergen exposure by harboring mold or attracting dust mites. Instead, opt for low-maintenance varieties that are less likely to contribute to allergens.

3. Anti-allergen cleaning products
Cleaning sprays and detergents designed to target allergens can neutralize proteins found in pet dander, dust mites, and pollen more effectively than standard products. Look for certifications from reputable organizations like the Asthma and Allergy Friendly® program.

Your fall allergens-friendly home checklist

Making your home a refuge from fall allergens doesn’t require drastic changes. These tips can help improve your indoor air quality:

Maintain an allergen-free entryway

❑ Designate a spot for shoes and jackets near the door to help prevent outdoor allergens from spreading inside.
❑ Wipe down pets’ fur and paws after outdoor play to minimize the pollen they bring indoors.

Fine-tune humidity levels

❑ Use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity and control moisture.
❑ Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels between 30% and 50%.¹ This may discourage mold growth and dust mites.

Optimize HVAC use

❑ Replace your air filter as recommended (at least every 90 days for standard 1″ MPR 1900 + MERV 13 filters or more frequently in allergy-prone homes, and at least every 12 months for 2″ – 6″ MPR 1900 + MERV 13 filters.
❑ Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to ensure ducts and vents are clean and your system is functioning optimally.

Deep-clean hidden zones

❑ Focus on frequently overlooked areas like behind kitchen appliances, under heavy furniture, and around light fixtures, which are hot spots for dust accumulation.

Swap out fabrics

❑ Use hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers to limit exposure to dust mites.
❑ Wash linens weekly in hot water (130°F or higher).

Prepare to embrace fall

Fall allergens may feel like an inevitable annoyance, but by managing your sources of allergens and implementing new strategies for containment, you can build a better defense that can reduce exposure. By taking these proactive steps, you are not only protecting yourself and your loved ones, but you're also able to fully enjoy the comfort and beauty of autumn. You deserve a fall season that is filled with more crisp mornings and cozy nights, and fewer sneezes along the way.

Sources

1. "Mold Course Chapter 2." EPA.

2. “Wood Smoke and Your Health.” EPA.

3. Allergy Facts and Figures.” AAFA.