One of the unexpected challenges of living in California is the unique local bugs and allergies.

There are quite a few things you encounter here that you may not have experienced in Korea. We will summarize the data and facts for you.

First, let's look at allergies. West Covina, located in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV), is situated inside the LA basin, where air stagnation is common, and especially in spring, pollen levels rise.

The main allergy-inducing plants include trees like oak, olive, and ash, as well as grasses and ragweed during the summer to fall. Even those who had no allergies in Korea report developing new allergies after moving to California. Spring (March to May) and fall (August to October) are peak allergy seasons.

Air pollution is also a factor that worsens allergy symptoms. Due to the geographical characteristics of the SGV area, there are days with high levels of ozone and PM2.5, and especially during the summer wildfire season, air quality can deteriorate significantly due to smoke. On days with a high AQI (Air Quality Index), it is recommended to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks. You can check real-time AQI on AirNow.gov or the IQAir app.

Among the types of bugs, the Brown Widow Spider is particularly noteworthy. While it is less toxic than the Black Widow Spider, it is very commonly found in Southern California. It typically resides under outdoor furniture, beneath pot trays, in garage corners, and behind garden decorations. It is important to wear gloves when cleaning outdoors and to check hidden areas. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile Virus during the summer. The West Nile Virus occurs every summer in California, including LA County. Most infected individuals experience no symptoms or mild fever, but in rare cases, it can develop into serious neurological symptoms. Using mosquito repellent spray (with DEET recommended) and not leaving standing water around your home are preventive measures.

Rodents, including rats, are also a concern in suburban areas. Hantavirus can be transmitted through rodent droppings, and if you find signs of rodents in garden sheds, attics, or basements, you should call a professional pest control service. If you clean it yourself, be sure to wear a mask and gloves, and use a damp method for cleaning.

In terms of endemic diseases, it is important to be aware of Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), which is unique to California. It is caused by a fungus in the soil of the Central Valley or southern desert regions, and infection occurs by inhaling spores in dusty environments.

The risk of occurrence in the SGV area is low, but it is good to be aware of the potential exposure during travel or moving.