Okay, Now Let's Compare Bugs in the Desert to Bugs in the South! (houses, scorpion)

[alicenevada]

Here in middle Tennessee, bugs are becoming more and more distressing for me as a mom. We live in a rural area, which is wonderful to look at and nice for the kids to be able to roam around in (we have 20 acres currently). But it seems that the insects are getting worse and worse! They swarm around you at all times of the day and the ticks are awful! My boys are constantly getting them on their necks, underarms, and privates. It's so scary! I can't count the number of times I've pulled ticks off of them w/ tweezers this year, dousing them w/ alcohol, and watched as the boys itched relentlessly for the next week and a half. This is WITH Deep Woods Off. I douse them w/ the stuff on all their exposed surfaces but I think the ticks are getting on them anyway and simply crawling to an area that does not have the repellent on it. Since I've been told by the doctor never to apply the stuff to their groin area, I have to deal with it. Last week, I rushed my 4 yr old to the doctor because his ******* had swollen to 4 times the size! I've never been so scared of anything. It looked like it was going to burst! And I'm told by my doctor that this is a NORMAL reaction to a tick bite...not even an allergic reaction...just normal. Then, when the days are hot and they can't play outside much, it would be nice for them to be able to go out and play in the evening. But the mosquitos are an issue then. Fortunately, the OFF does work better on mosquitos but it's such a shame for my boys to have to be doused w/ that stuff every day. I'm starting to worry about side effects.

As you can tell, I'm fed up w/ this aspect of country living. I love Tennesse, I've lived here most of my life, but I'm starting to want a change...or at least to try one out.

What is the bug situation in the desert? Will I need to have these fears when we relocate? Rattlesnakes are a piece of cake for me. Black Widows and Brown Recluses are easy to avoid. But this other problem...wow.

[alicenevada]

Hmmm, it seems the site has blocked the clinical term I posted above for a part of the male anatomy. Starts with an 's'...ends w/ an 'm'.

[Steve-o]

The desert southwest has a lot less bugs, I can tell you that. However, there are still mosquitos in areas, and reported West Nile cases. Ticks occur in the SW, too, but NOTHING like down in the southern states. From the sound of it, you just might find absolute peace in the desert SW.

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

The desert southwest has a lot less bugs, I can tell you that. However, there are still mosquitos in areas, and reported West Nile cases. Ticks occur in the SW, too, but NOTHING like down in the southern states. From the sound of it, you just might find absolute peace in the desert SW.

Thanks Steve-O. I am certain we'll find relief from what we're used to, that's for sure!

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by alicenavada

Thanks Steve-O. I am certain we'll find relief from what we're used to, that's for sure!

Yes, you should indeed. I lived in TN for awhile and know exactly what youre talking about. Between the mosquitos, ticks, flying roaches, etc, I had enough myself. The desert SW has less bugs, but more dangerous ones.

[alicenevada]

like what,for instance?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by alicenavada

like what,for instance?

Well, for infants, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, the bark scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) can be deadly. To a healthy adult, you will experience some horrible pain that can sometimes take months to completely extinguish. Cockroaches remain a problem in many areas of the Valley, and carry diseases, too. There are also the giant centipedes, which are rare, but bite like a pitbull (Scolopendra heros heros and Scolopendra heros arizonensis). Black widows are potentially lethal, like the bark scorpion (Latrodectus hesperus), as well. There are some brown recluse relatives in the Valley (Loxoceles deserta) that have nasty cytotoxic venom that can cause nasty lesions to develop. Keep in mind that there are over 25 species of scorpion in Arizona, dozens of rattlesnake species too. Just keep a watchful eye and youll be ok.

Oooh, also the entire state is now colonized by Africanized bees ("killer bees"), so read up on those as well. Bear, mountain lions and javalina's also inhabit many areas of the state, but your chances of seeing those are slight. Javalinas are very common in areas and can gore you if they feel threatened, so keep an eye out for you, your kids and your pets. Coyotes are also a big problem in the state for some, so watch your pets at night.

[alicenevada]

I've been reading up on the scorpions and bees. They seem to be less insidious than the insects here-more like spiders and wasps are here. Thanks for the info.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by alicenavada

I've been reading up on the scorpions and bees. They seem to be less insidious than the insects here-more like spiders and wasps are here. Thanks for the info.

Pretty much!

[twiggy]

You can find houses here with out scorpions you just have to ask around. Other wise the rest don't bother me. I don't like the scorps because like you said it's a pain in the butt to always look and check for the kids. Killer bee's, uh, I know they hurt people every year and I have seen them swarm but I always go inside so I've never been hurt. I think you would like it here better. It's not the best though. I asked about bugs on the Rhode Island thread and they really had none for most of the year with the snow and cold and then just some little ones in summer.