Lacking the showy flowers that attract insects to pollinate them, grasses rely on the wind to spread their pollen. Of the 1,200 or so species of grass in North America, though, only about 20 cause allergic reactions. The most common are:

• Perennial Rye
• Bermuda
• Redtop
• Fescue
• Salt grass
• Johnson
• Sweet Vernal
• June
• Timothy

If your lawn is made of one or more of these grasses, have someone else mow your lawn or wear a mask to reduce the amount of pollen you breathe in. Also be sure to keep grass mowed short to prevent seeds. You may also want to choose other varieties of grass to help reduce your summertime discomfort. Consider doing outdoor chores later in the day, when pollen concentrations are lowest and when there is little breeze, or shortly after rain. Shower and change your clothes immediately after mowing and leave shoes at the door to reduce your contact with clinging pollen.