Cats produce multiple allergenic proteins found on the skin and fur, and in the saliva. Although there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat, some breeds produce fewer allergens, and the length of a cat's hair or its sex does not correlate to how many allergens it produces. The allergens themselves are very small, and can stay airborne for 30 minutes after being disturbed. The allergens can stick to furniture, walls, and other surfaces, and remain in a home for months after the cat is removed.

Dogs produce multiple allergenic proteins found on the skin and fur, and in the saliva and urine. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. The allergens can stick to many household surfaces including furniture and walls.

The body parts, saliva, and waste of a cockroach can all contribute to allergies, even if the roach is dead. These allergens can become airborne just as cat and dog allergens can.

These microscopic bugs eat the dead skin cells found in dust, and thrive in warm, humid environments. They are especially common in upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, carpets/rugs, and stuffed animals. They are often stirred up into the air while cleaning.

The American Elm is a deciduous tree that grows in wet soil. It is most commonly found in the Eastern/Central United States, and pollinates from late Winter to early Spring (Feb-Apr).

The Texas ash is the most common species that we are exposed to in San Antonio, and its very closely related to White ash. Texas ash pollinates in the winter, while White ash pollinates in Winter and Spring (Jan/Feb - Apr).

River birch is found in the San Antonio area and is cross reactive with Paper and Water birch species. Birch trees pollinate in the Spring, and commonly cause oral allergy syndrome.

Black Walnut is a common Texas tree that grows alongside American Elm, Hackberry, Box Elder, and Red Oak. It pollinates in the Spring.

Box Elder, also known as the Ash-leafed Maple, this landscaping tree pollinates in Winter and Spring.

The Cedar elm is the most common elm tree in Texas. This species is native to South Central North America, and grows among junipers in flat valley bottom areas (“cedar breaks” or “cedar flats”). The Cedar elm pollinates from late Summer to Fall (Jul-Oct).

Cottonwood trees are deciduous trees common to plains and river valleys. They are one of the fastest growing trees in North America, and pollinate every Spring.

Hackberry trees tend to grow in rich, moist soil but are able to survive on rocky or gravelly hillsides. Scientists have been unable to determine the exact range of the species in the Southern U.S. because it overlaps with a similar tree called sugarberry. It pollinates in the Spring and the Fall.

White Oak, Red Oak, Live Oak are the 3 types of oak are common in the San Antonio area. They pollinate in the spring and are generally considered one of the most severe Spring allergens. The oak pollen is yellow and falls in a thick coat on the ground.

Pecan trees grow best in areas with long, hot, and humid Summers. They pollinate in the Spring. The pollen looks very similar to oak pollen, but is greener.

Honey mesquite is a thorny legume that pollinates from spring to fall. It is an invasive species that grows well in desert environments, and is used to smoke food (the smoke and the treated food can cause allergy symptoms). It is also used by local bees for honey.

Mountain Cedar, or Ashe Juniper, is closely related to Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and people who are allergic to one tend to be allergic to the other.

Mountain cedar pollinates from late November to early February, and Red cedar pollinates in the Spring. Notorious cause of cedar fever.

We test for Red Mulberry and White Mulberry, which pollinate from Winter to Summer. Texas mulberry pollinates from winter to spring.

Sycamore trees have distinctively mottled bark and grow along rivers and in wetland areas. They pollinate from Winter to Summer.

Bahia is a common lawn grass that prefers sandy soils, and is tolerant to shade and drought. It pollinates from Spring to Fall.

Bermuda grass is an aggressive, invasive species that is commonly used on sports fields and golf courses. It pollinates from April to September.

Johnson grass grows in fields and along stream banks. It can grow up to 10 feet high, and pollinates from June to October.

Smooth brome is a grass that pollinates from April to August, with a peak in May and June. It can grow up to 4 feet tall.

Timothy grass pollinates June and July. It is common on roadsides and in fields.

Pollinates June through September. This is the most common and widespread cocklebur species in the U.S. It grows on neglected land and along roadsides.

Also known as burning bush, kochia, or Mexican fire bush. Forms a tumbleweed at the end of the growing season. Used ornamentally and as erosion control. Pollinates July to September.

Also known as English plantain. Pollinates April through August, and peaks in May/June. Commonly found on lawns and on cultivated land.

Grows well in disturbed soil and along roadsides. Pollinates from Spring to Fall.

Pigweed pollinates from March to November, with a peak in August. It can grow up to 10 feet tall, and forms a tumbleweed when it dies.

Grows virtually everywhere. Pollinates from Spring to Fall.

Its common names are careless weed, sump weed, Burweed-marsh elder, and Prairie Ragweed. It normally grows along roads and in waste areas. Pollinates July through August.

Great ragweed (A. trifida) and annual ragweed (A. artemisiifolia) both pollinate from Spring to Fall, with a peak in mid August. They are invasive species that are widespread across the U.S., growing in disturbed soil and along roadsides.

Scalewing is an evergreen shrub that grows in disturbed soil and sand dunes. It pollinates from June to September.

Sagebrush is an evergreen shrub that grows in arid, mountainous regions, including the Texas Hill Country. It pollinates from Summer to Fall.

Russian thistle is the “traditional” tumbleweed. It is a highly invasive species that prefers sand and disturbed soil, and can tolerate high salt levels. It pollinates from June to September.

Yellow dock is a weed that pollinates from May to August. It grows in waste areas and fields.

Tall water hemp is a weed that grows in wet habitats as well as along roads and fields. It pollinates from summer to fall.

Sheep sorrel pollinates from May to August. It grows in acidic soil, in grasslands.

These molds need a warm, moist environment to grow, so they generally grows after rain. They grow on plants and rotting vegetables.

This mold is found in soil and decaying plant material, such as compost piles. It can grow at body temperature, and its spores are extremely prevalent in the atmosphere.

This mold is reddish-brown with yellow around the edges, and a rough surface. It grows in warm, wet conditions, especially soil and sand. Indoors it is found on paintings, dust, and fabric.

Common wherever wheat and barley are grown. In the home it grows in houseplant soil, decaying plant matter, or water-damaged areas. Appears soft or fluffy and is dark brown/olive color.

Olive green/brown, velvety or powdery in appearance. Grows outdoors year round, with peak in Summer. Grows indoors on wet surfaces and can grow in the refrigerator as well.

Rough appearance, brown to olive coloration. Found in soils and on textiles in tropical/subtropical regions, as well as on various plants.

This a fungal plant prefers wet and warm conditions. The pathogen infects several hosts including potato, strawberry, alfalfa.

Common on plant materials, grows year-round. Woolly/cottony, dark colored.

Found in soil, plant debris, and rotting mushrooms. Grows in wet building materials. Appearance varies widely.

Blue-green mold on bread, fruits, and nuts. Used to make penicillin, but a Penicillium allergy DOES NOT indicate a penicillin allergy.

Pale grey or yellow, grows in colder temperatures (human body temp is the max temp). Grows in foods such as root vegetables, and in soil.

Found indoors on humid surfaces, and on painted walls. Outdoors in the soil.