Nevada Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

Written by Maxwell Martinson
Published: February 7, 2023
© Jim Vallee/Shutterstock.com
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A person’s allergies might flare up in Nevada during any month. The dry environment makes it easy for pollen to flow freely all year, but Nevada’s various geographical regions provide for a unique allergic experience depending on where you go.

We’re going to take a look at allergy season in Nevada, giving you details on peak allergy season, which plants affect the most people, and what you can do to resolve some of the symptoms you might experience when visiting.

Let’s get started!

Nevada’s various geographical regions provide for a unique allergic experience
Nevada’s various geographical regions provide for a unique allergic experience depending on where you go.

©iStock.com/gchapel

When is Allergy Season in Nevada?

There are two main allergy seasons in Nevada, and they’re caused by two distinct allergens. Fall is the time for weed allergies in Nevada. Spring is the time for tree allergies.

There are very light allergy seasons in winter and summer.

Winter & Summer Allergies

Nevada’s high temperatures help to keep most allergens at bay in the summer. Still, grass allergies come out in full force in the summer months. Nevada is home to many species of grass, while Bermuda, ryegrass, and orchard grass are very common.

Winter’s allergy season is mild in Nevada. The key allergens to look out for in winter are the ones inside of your home. Keeping your home well-ventilated is always important in the winter, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors with pets.

Bermuda grass in Nevada
Nevada is home to many species of grass such as Bermuda with grass allergies peaking in the summer months.

©Joyjiraporn/Shutterstock.com

Fall Weed Allergies

Weed allergies are worst for most people starting at the end of August, running into December, or whenever winter temperatures drop significantly. Many weeds pollinate with the help of fall winds.

Unfortunately for people in many areas of Nevada, there aren’t many environmental barriers against pollen. The wind might sweep up pollen from countless grassland weeds, floating them undisturbed right onto you, your car, your clothes, and more.

The quintessential Nevada landscape is undescribably beautiful, but it’s also a superhighway for weed pollen to go undisturbed in many areas. Naturally, there are forests and mountains to disrupt some of that flow, but that depends on where in the state you live!

The hard truth for people allergic to common weeds is that weeds are particularly sturdy and resilient plants. They’re hard to get rid of, they grow quickly, and they’re everywhere.

We’ll discuss weeds that affect the most people in Nevada later on. Then, we’ll explore some treatments that might make you more comfortable. First, though, let’s talk about the spring tree allergy season.

Spring Tree Allergies

The spring allergy season starts in February as Nevada’s short winter comes to a close. Flowering desert trees against mountainous backdrops make for breathtaking photos, but they contribute to a brutal season for people with tree allergies.

There are a number of native trees that cause allergies in Nevada, but some of the worst contributors are actually trees from Europe and Asia. In a lot of cases, non-native trees are imported and over-planted to produce a crop or product of some kind.

This results in excessive pollination and distribution of the tree. Nevada actually prohibits the planting of some of these trees because of the effect it has on human allergies.

Mulberry trees are heavy pollinizers
Mulberry trees are heavy pollinizers which causes major allergy symptoms.

©Roman Kutsekon/Shutterstock.com

Which Plants Cause Allergies in Nevada?

Below are the most prominent tree and weed allergens in Nevada.

Common Nevada Weed Allergens:

The most common weed allergen in Nevada is ragweed. Ragweed is a physically large plant that sends a significant amount of pollen into the air. According to Web MD, one plant can release roughly 1 billion units of pollen over the course of spring.

Sagebrush is another big offender because its pollen is lightweight and able to carry long distances.

The most common weed allergen in Nevada is ragweed.
The most common weed allergen in Nevada is ragweed.

©iStock.com/OlyaSolodenko

Common Nevada Tree Allergens:

Mulberry trees are one of the most dangerous allergens in Nevada. Most species of mulberry aren’t native to the area, and they produce a significant amount of pollen that flares up the allergies of thousands each year.

You’re also likely to encounter pollen from junipers, cedars, cottonwoods, Aspens, and maples in Nevada.

Treating Seasonal Allergies

Most sources will tell you that avoiding pollen is the best way to minimize your seasonal allergy symptoms. While avoidance is effective, it’s also very hard to totally shield yourself from pollen.

Pollen is microscopic, it’s everywhere, and you can’t reasonably shut yourself inside all year. So, what can you do?

Start by making a habit of checking pollen counts. There are many sites that list pollen counts, but you can start here. If you’re aware of the amount of pollen in your area, you can make informed decisions on how to spend your time.

For example, if you see that pollen is extremely high and you have a severe allergy, you might ask your boss if you can work from home. These little decisions can make your life a whole lot safer and more comfortable.

Next, you should get familiar with your specific allergies. Speak with a doctor and get tested for certain allergies. If you don’t have access to healthcare, you might consider consulting people in your community or doing some research online to find out what the key pollinators in your area are.

You can also research when they’re most active, then make strategic choices to avoid those pollens. Certain times of day can be more active than others, and changes to the weather can deeply impact the way that pollen distributes.

Those are a few things you can do to get a handle on your allergies and create a deeper relationship with the pollen in your environment. In addition to preparation and avoidance, the following medications can be very effective:

  • Antihistamines inhibit “histamine” which is a key factor in the immune response. Limiting the immune system’s inflammation and swelling can greatly reduce things like itchiness, rashes, sneezing, and more.
  • Epinephrine often comes as a self-use injectable device that intervenes in extreme allergic reactions. This is something you should discuss with a professional. While seasonal allergies usually don’t require epinephrine, it’s a trusted option for anyone who’s vulnerable to anaphylaxis.
  • Corticosteroids ease inflammation and swelling in various ways, depending on the application of the medicine. These can come in nasal sprays, pills, rubs, and more.
  • Decongestants are able to ease some of your mucus and get you breathing comfortably again. These are typically available over the counter and can be more or less effective, depending on the brand you use and the method of application.
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Allergy Season
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are a type of allergy that happens at certain times of the year, generally in the spring, summer, and fall.
© Jim Vallee/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Hi! I'm Max and I'm a writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I've been freelancing for more than five years and love the freedom and variety that this profession offers. Animals are also a big part of my life, and a lot of my time is dedicated to playing with my cat, Herbie.

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