Are they poisonous?

[southward bound]

IslandGirl, (we're also previously from CT) we have two dogs, and we fenced our yard. We avoided getting property near ponds or streams, though this seemed attractive at first. I dropped that idea when I heard about snakes hanging around watering holes. Our lot is clear, and the grass is mowed, there is no brush or undergrowth anywhere that anything could hide in, so I don't worry too much about snakes. I'm aware they could get in, but they'd be traveling in the other direction (I hope) where there is a stream some 500' away. So far, I haven't seen any. I know someone who has dogs and a pond on the property, and they go out with their dogs, and keep a watch over them. If they see a snake, they hurry the dogs back inside. I did hear, though, that the snakes sometimes climb trees and drop into your yard. I think you might see one now and then, but I really believe they try to avoid people and it's not like you're going to be overrun with them. Not sure what your outdoor environment there is like, but keep your yard clean of debris and brush, and I think you'll minimize the chances of inviting creepy crawlers.
For anyone with animals, I always advise having the address/directions/phone number of the closest after-hours animal emergency clinic - for anything unexpected illness or injury. Good luck.

[YorkshireLass]

Originally Posted by IslandGirl

And while we are on the subject, I may as well ask. I am a boater and like to go swimming. Are water mocassins something I need to be aware and informed about? Anyone know if they are in Lake Hickory or Lake Norman or if there are any other critters in the Lake that will be offensive? IslandGirl

First of all let me just say that knowing your fears are irrational and learning to overcome them is a skill we could all use. Believe me I totally understand. There was a very informative post on NC spiders several months ago. Depending on what part of the state you're in you'll see your fair share and most are harmless, even though they may look terrifying (beware of the wolf spider, my friend who's totally terrified of spiders made the mistake of stepping on a mother who was carrying about 100 little ones on her back, the little ones ran off and just about scared my poor friend to death.) You should check out the dept of agriculture/home extension web site to get a better idea of what you'll be facing when it comes to insects. I have a couple of clients who've just moved up from Fl and are being "terrorized" by dive bombing lady bugs (everybody has their own little annoyances ).
With the baby, be aware of fire ants. There outside mounds are quite distinctive and if you find one take care of it immediately. Fire ants are quite vicious little monsters and pack a whollop. My least favorite are yellow jackets, but after spending time in England I really do think that the southern yellow jackets are less vicious,I guess they were just brought up to be more polite . I grew up at the base of the western NC mountains and my grandmother constantly instilled in me a great fear of water moccassins and copperheads (...don't go near that (insert whatever) there's probably a water moccassin/copperhead the size of your grandpa's leg just waitin' to get you...)why it would be waitin on me I never figured out but it left a lasting impression. After living here for most of my 37 years, I have seen 1 or 2 copperheads (? I guess that's what they were) but both they and I have kept our distance. The fear of lake/pond water is definitely one of mine. I think it's not being able to see what's swimming around me. You know that fear, it sees me but I don't see it...I get cold chills just thinking about it. When we lived near Lake Norman I heard about catfish the size of men and there was talk of an alligator who was never caught but I'm sure that was just a urban myth...

Each state has it's own "critters" to deal with and you're doing the best thing possible by just being informed. Good Luck to you and let us know what you think of our "old north state" when you get here.

[lovesdalejrno88]

the last thing i want to do is scare you i just started my own investagation about lake hickory me and my boyfriend have been going over there the last week and a half swimming,fishing and enjoying the beauty there when i got home to check on what type of fish and animals are in lake hickory the first story pops up about alligators!I was in total disbeliefe and upset they are no signs posted anywhere warning people i hope you have heard about this he was last seen in g.fALLS BE AWARE.maybe you have some stories for me but please be careful and protect your dogs mine are my babies to sincerly .Kim Dodd Hickory N.C

[Catrick]

We do have the brown recluse here. We have found a few in our yard but they were hiding under the numerous rocks we have on our property. We are just very careful when lifting rocks or working in the garden with the mulch. I just wear gloves when I do anything outside.

My husband came across black widows in his former job working outside but they were always hiding in a dark place. He just knew to be careful and check things out.

I hate bugs and spiders so I know how you feel. In the summer I do check my shoes before I put them on and the things we leave in the garage we always check and shake out before putting them on. We have a neighbor that was bitten by something that was hiding in his shoe. Didn't pay attention to it and got an infection.

So it will take time and you will adjust. I just always look where I am going which usually helps me anyway since I tend to be a klutz.

Good luck on your move.

[Asheville Native]

Thread is 2.5 years old, so I reckon she done discovered that momma was wrong, or the bugs have done kilt and ate her.

[Catrick]

Well this just goes to show you some people just don't pay attention!

[bugguy]

I'm a native here and own a pest control company. I've been in that business for 26 years! In all that time, I've only come across one Brown Recluse spider on the job. They are very rare here and they aren't a large spider....very small actually and misidentified often. Black Widows are common. ALL spiders are venomous. The Brown Widow spider is becoming more of a problem as is the Yellow Sac spider.

[trese]

I think your mom has a spider phobia!