Grass season in Omaha: why UNMC says to wipe the dog before it reaches the bed
Grass pollen in Nebraska tends to begin in May or June, according to UNMC, and in May 2022 UNMC's Andrew Rorie called dogs walking pollen collectors and suggested wiping them with a wet towel when they come inside, before the coat reaches your bed. Eppley's June dew point averages 61°F, so keep the windows closed and the air conditioning running in grass season.
Count to watch: UNMC's twice-weekly counts in May and June, the weeks Rorie described in 2022 as near the peak of tree and grass season.
UNMC posts Tuesdays and Thursdays during peak season. Open it
Early summer at Eppley Airfield
| Month | Average dew point | Average temperature | Average wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 50°F | 63°F | 10.5 mph |
| June | 61°F | 73°F | 9.7 mph |
| July | 66°F | 77°F | 8.5 mph |
Our averages of NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 hourly normals for Eppley Airfield. From June on, the most common wind direction at Eppley is south or southeast, and the air carries far more moisture than it did in April.
The dog is part of the count
Rorie’s 2022 advice was aimed at pet owners with pollen allergies: wipe the dog down with a wet towel whenever it comes back in, because tree and grass pollen ride in on its coat. A dog that sleeps on the comforter brings that coat to the mattress every night, which a rooftop count at Durham Research Center II can’t see.
What helps on the bed side, in UNMC’s 2022 terms, is ordinary: closed windows when its Tuesday or Thursday count runs high, a change of clothes after yard work, and a shower before bed.
Where a cleaning fits
Any urine or odor on a dog’s side of the bed goes on the inspection form before we HEPA vacuum and steam; what a visit includes is on the allergy season hub.
Eppley’s June dew point of 61°F is a reason to run the air conditioning or a dehumidifier afterwards rather than opening windows. The EPA’s mold guidance puts indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent. Sleep Sanitation explains why urine odor can come back on a mattress. Check your care label and warranty terms before booking.
Asked about grass season and pets
When does UNMC say grass pollen starts?
UNMC's 2014 allergy season release said grass pollen tends to begin in May or June in Nebraska. On May 9, 2022, UNMC said tree and grass season would soon be near its peak.
What did UNMC suggest for dogs in May 2022?
UNMC's Andrew Rorie suggested in 2022 that pollen-allergic dog owners wipe the dog with a wet towel each time it comes back inside, because a dog's coat collects pollen outdoors.
Is June at Eppley Airfield a humid month to book a cleaning?
Yes. NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals put Eppley's average June dew point at 61°F and July's at 66°F, against 50°F in May. Plan on air conditioning or a dehumidifier in the room afterwards, with the windows closed.
Sources
Changelog
- October 3, 2026: First published with UNMC's grass timing and Eppley's May to July normals.
- October 3, 2026: Revised: shorter description; price line replaced with a link to the hub.
Published October 3, 2026. Written by Omaha Mattress Cleaning, operated by Sleep Sanitation. General information, not medical advice.
Prices and what every visit includes
Call or text (402) 512-5658, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.