Allergies aren’t just for the blooming spring months. Long after the April rains and blooming May flowers, many people continue suffering from sneezes, wheezes and runny noses throughout summer.

Pollen remains the biggest cause of allergies during the summer months. Pollen, released from certain types of weeds and grasses, typically reaches peak levels at midday, although environmental factors can affect these levels. For instance, if it’s windy outside, the pollen levels will be higher. If it rains, they will be lower. One of the greatest causes of summer allergies is ragweed. Ragweed is responsible for causing hay fever in some people, and it can be a particular nuisance in the late summer months.

To reduce your exposure to pollen, try to limit the amount of time you spend outside in the middle of the day. You can also change clothes after going inside, dry your laundry in the dryer or an inside clothesline and cover your nose and mouth while mowing or working in the yard.

However, pollen isn’t the only source of summer allergies. Stinging insects like bees, wasps, some ants and other types of bugs come out during the summer, and if you have a severe allergy to them, it could be life threatening. If you know you have a severe allergy to a bee sting or you are unsure, it’s a good idea to keep an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen) nearby just in case. These can be used to save your life during a severe reaction.

Thanks to the warm, humid summer air, it’s also the prime time for mold to grow, especially in basements and bathrooms. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions. Microscopic insects called dust mites also peak in the summer. These tiny bugs live in bedding, upholstery, carpets or curtains, and their residue can get into the air and cause sneezing, wheezing and a runny nose. To minimize dust mites in your home, wash bedding frequently (in hot water to kill the dust mites) and vacuum often. You can also freeze non-washable bedding overnight to kill dust mites. And when cleaning dust, use a damp mop or rag (dry dusting will introduce more allergens into the air).