One surprising thing for people moving to Palm Springs is what they encounter at first.

They might think, "There won't be many bugs in the desert," but once they live here, they find there are quite a few creatures that are hard to see in Korea.

There's no need to be scared, but knowing in advance can make you feel much more at ease.

The most talked-about creature is definitely the scorpion. In particular, the Bark Scorpion is the most famous one in this area.

During the day, they often hide under rocks, in wood piles, or in the corners of garages, and they are most active at night. It's rare for them to come inside the house, but locals have a habit of shaking out their shoes and lightly checking towels or gloves before putting them on. I initially thought, "No way would a scorpion come into the house!" but those who have lived here for a long time all advise caution.

Another one is the Black Widow spider. This spider has a black body with a red hourglass shape and can be found in garages, sheds, or under outdoor chairs. Conversely, the large tarantulas often seen in movies are more intimidating in appearance than in behavior, as they rarely attack people. When you see them crossing the road in the fall while looking for a mate, it can be surprising at first, but most of the time, you can just let them pass.

Be cautious of bees and wasps from summer to fall. Especially when drinking outdoors, wasps can sometimes get into open cans, so it's a good habit to check them occasionally.

Surprisingly, many people experience pollen allergies. You might think there wouldn't be pollen in the desert, but many people suffer from itchy eyes and runny noses in spring due to pollen from plants like olive trees, mesquite, and palm trees. Some people who never had allergies in Korea find they develop them after coming to the U.S.

There's one more illness you should know about in Palm Springs: Valley Fever. This disease is caused by fungal spores in the desert soil that get airborne in strong winds and enter the respiratory system. Symptoms can resemble a cold, with coughing and fever, but if a cough persists or fatigue is severe, it's advisable to get tested for Valley Fever at a hospital. Wearing a mask can help, especially for those who work for long periods in construction sites or dusty areas.

However, there's no need to worry too much. Most Americans who have lived here for a long time go about their lives without any special issues. Keeping your surroundings clean, shaking out your shoes before wearing them, and not leaving doors open for long in the summer can help prevent most problems.

Ultimately, Palm Springs is just a different natural environment compared to Korea. At first, the stories about scorpions can be frightening, but with a little adjustment, you come to accept, "Ah, this is the desert." By being informed and cautious, you can enjoy desert life much more safely and comfortably.