Northern Transplants-How About Bugs and Reptiles? (move, garage, yard)

[Dockside]

How about bugs and reptiles, you northerners. Any opinions? I'm pretty used to what we have up here. What kind of surprises have you had to deal with I wouldn't find in the NYC area? Thanks.

[baylovers]

Made the move a year ago and do not miss NY much, except for the rare midnight diner run or a quick slice of pizza. I have a small lake in my rear yard and there is an alligator or two that surface in the spring. They do bother with us and we do not bother with them. Make sure you don't fed them, then they will make your place a routine stop. I keep my small dog away from the lake though.

Have seen a couple of snake skins while doing yard work but have yet to come face to face with one.... but I do not have any mice !! And not much of a bug problem either, occassionally I get a visit from a palmetto bug (looks like a big roach that can fly), particularly in the garage but it is not infestation by any means. They do not travel or multiply like roaches either. Mosquitos are my only gripe and I try to apply bug spray when I go out after dusk.