Burbank has a Mediterranean climate, which is quite dry. Therefore, there are far fewer mosquitoes than in Korea. You won't find the same situation as in Korean summers, where mosquitoes swarm in every stagnant water. However, they are not completely absent. Especially in parks, gardens, or near puddles, you may encounter mosquitoes, and West Nile virus prevention campaigns are often conducted in the summer.

Additionally, California has large flying American cockroaches. Unlike the small cockroaches commonly seen in Korea, these can grow to nearly 5 cm. They primarily live outdoors and may come indoors when it rains heavily or when the weather suddenly turns cold. The older the house, the higher the chance of an invasion. You might feel like fainting the first time you see one, but they actually tend to search for food less than Korean cockroaches.

Ants are also something to be cautious about in Burbank. Particularly, small Argentine ants can invade homes in lines. It's alarming to see hundreds of them marching in when they find food or something sweet. The best defense is to store food in sealed containers and block structural gaps in the house. Eco-friendly ant repellents like Orange Guard are also effective.

It's important to be aware of allergies. The San Fernando Valley, where Burbank is located, has an allergy season. From February to May, pollen from trees and grasses is abundant, making it difficult for those with allergies. Eucalyptus, olive tree, and grass pollen are the main culprits. There are also some weed pollen allergies in the fall.

If you have allergy symptoms, an air purifier is essential. An air purifier with a HEPA filter helps reduce indoor pollen. During the fall Santa Ana winds, dust and pollen are particularly airborne, so it's best to stay indoors. It's wise to have allergy medications (like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc.) on hand in advance.

The black widow spider is another creature to be cautious of in California. It is venomous, and if bitten, medical treatment is necessary. They primarily live in dark corners of warehouses, garages, and gardens. It's a good habit to wear gloves while cleaning and to be careful when moving outdoor items.

Overall, Burbank has a much lower insect population than Korean summers. However, they are not completely absent, so basic precautions are necessary. Just by preventing ants, managing food, and preparing for pollen allergies, life in Burbank can be much more comfortable.