DURHAM, N.C. — If you are sneezing more than normal, you may have ragweed to thank.
We are in the midst of ragweed season, a season that has only gotten worse over the last several years, according to weather experts.
What You Need To Know
- Ragweed now has a longer growing season
- Compared to the 1970s, the growing season has an extra 30 days
- Masks are helping keep some of the allergens at bay for landscapers
“Compared to 1970, we now have a growing season that has an extra 30 days, so with that extended growing season, that allows more pollen to be in the air for a longer period of time,” Spectrum News 1 Meteorologist Vernon Turner said.
Dimitri Rayner, owner of Groomer Property Services, spends most of his time outdoors. He tends to more than 100 properties and can definitely detect more allergens in the air.
“I can tell a huge difference because it seems like the summers are longer, the winters are shorter so there’s definitely a big difference just with how nature is responding to what is happening,” Rayner said.
Rayner notes he and his crew wear masks due to COVID and it has helped block some of the pollen. Despite the allergen challenges, Rayner says he loves his work.
“This is a part of me. When I wake up everyday, I’m ready to go out and make a difference,” Rayner said.
Rayner recently had a lot of his equipment stolen out of his storage unit. If you would like to help build his business back up, click here.