Pollen is a real concern for many individuals who suffer from environmental allergies. Individuals may experience various symptoms, which can interfere with their daily activities and impede their quality of life. So, can pollen get through window screens in a home? 

Unfortunately, pollen can vary in size, migrating into houses through standard window screens. Once it enters your residence, allergy symptoms can continue to affect you and require antihistamines or other medication. 

What Is Pollen? 

Pollen is the powdery material that seed-bearing plants produce during their reproductive season. Plants will release these miniature substances into the air, and the wind will carry them to germinate elsewhere. 

Although pollen is prevalent in the spring and fall, some plants can produce it throughout the year. So experts often measure its appearance in the air with a pollen count. This measurement depicts the average of how many pollen grains exist within a cubic meter. Therefore, your allergy symptoms may be more severe when the pollen count is higher. 

Pollen Allergies

Some common pollen allergies include: 

• Hayfever
• Asthma 
• Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis 

You may be sensitive to pollen particles if you experience one or more of these allergy symptoms. 

• Stuffy, congested nose
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes, ears, or throat 
• Red, watery eyes
• Wheezing
• Coughing 
• Sneezing
• Swelling around the nose, eyes, or mouth

Some people may only experience one sign of a pollen allergy, while others who are more sensitive can suffer multiple symptoms. These effects can last for hours if you don’t treat them or go to an area without air-borne pollen.

Can Pollen Get Through Window Screens? 

Unfortunately, standard window screens have large enough openings that allow air-borne pollen particles to pass through. For comparison, the average size of one pollen grain is approximately 25 microns, equalling 0.000975 inches (0.024765 mm). However, some pollen materials can be as small as 2.5 microns or as large as 200 microns. 

Many screen sizes are available for your home, but only some help keep these minuscule particles out. By counting the number of openings across an inch of screen, you can determine its mesh size. 

For example, a screen with four openings across one inch is 4-mesh. Therefore, the higher the mesh number, the fewer particles it will let through because the holes will be smaller. Thankfully, not all window screens are large enough to let pollen through. 

Minimize Your Pollen Allergy Symptoms 

If you suffer from pollen allergies, it’s vital that you monitor the pollen count and take action to help minimize your symptoms. You may notice that your region's pollen count is higher during the spring and fall seasons. 

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your family during the pollen season. 

• Install a pollen-blocking window screen
• Vacuum carpets and furniture often 
• Keep your doors closed 
• Stay indoors
• Go outside only after a heavy rain
• Clean window curtains frequently
• Remove footwear before entering the home
• Use HEPA filters in your vacuum, furnace, air conditioner, and air purifier 
• Bathe your pets more frequently

By minimizing the chances of pollen entering your home, you will reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms. 

Prevent Pollen From Getting Through Window Screens

Now you know that the answer to “can pollen get through window screens?” is yes. So you need to find a way around it. Thankfully one of the best ways to keep it outside and provide some allergy relief is to use pollen-blocking window screens. These specialty products can block up as much as 96% of air-borne pollens from coming into your home. 

Screen Master is your premium choice for an expert service provider of screens that effectively keeps pollen particles outside and not in your home. For over two decades, we have served the greater Los Angeles region with superior screens and professional installation for doors and windows of all home styles and types. 

Our mobile professionals can create custom-made screens for your home that block pollen, providing a healthier home with better air quality. This way, you know that your screen will fit perfectly every time. 

Contact our friendly staff today and see how our team at Screen Master can easily help to improve the air you breathe at home, even during allergy season. 

FAQs:

How do you get pollen out of window screens?

Pollen can easily get trapped in window screens, making them a haven for allergens. Fortunately, there are several ways to safely remove pollen from your window screens. The first step is to gently remove as much pollen as possible with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. If the screen is heavily coated with pollen, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to scrub away the particles. For tougher stains, you can try using a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. If the pollen is not removed after these steps, it may be time to replace your window screens.

Can pollen get through window screens? 

It depends on the type of screen. Some window screens are designed to block pollen, while others are not. If you are concerned about pollen entering your home, you should look for screens that are specifically designed to block pollen.

Are pollen-blocking window screens expensive?

The cost of pollen-blocking window screens can vary depending on the size and type of screen you need. However, in general, they are not significantly more expensive than regular window screens.