I'm extremely afraid!!!! (Orlando, Apopka, Hunters Creek: environment, condo, work)

[citchus]

Believe me, living in the city can distort the reality about nature some times. We need to be aware that this world is not ours alone but other creatures that live among and around us, and being in Florida, you can be sure of one thing, there are animals that help us realize we are humans. I live by a park and at night hear all sorts of noises from frogs to locusts and find it strange but real. I have a lot of respect for the nature around me.

[tymtrvlr]

I've lived here most of my natural life and the lizards and snakes are a way of life. Snakes are fairly uncommon in subdivisions so I'd not worry much about them. The small lizards you see are harmless and look at them as bug catchers. The mosquito/roach population will be loads less if the little critters are around. If you are worried about them in your house go down to Festival bay in Orlando to the Sharper Image store and buy a bug vac. They are about $45.00 and have a long handle. They will suck up bugs or small lizards if need be safely from a distance. I'd be more worried about the mosquitos than lizards and snakes. As for leaving your significant other unless he's not the one for you thats not an option. And that my dear is entierly up to you and no one else. Good Luck and don't Sweat the small stuff.

[ItsAboutTime]

I am more afraid of the Wild Boar in Florida, and the Bear and Coyote in NJ. I see bear and coyote on a daily basis here in Jersey, and that is worse. It's all what you are used to. I think if you do encounter a few more snakes, you'll see that they didn't harm you, and you'll become less afraid of them. Maybe get one as a pet? Seriously, you can observe it in a controlled (BY YOU) environment and get over your fear!

[hurt]

Run, don't walk to nj. You will hate it in fl.

[cwaz]

I'm from Jersey too....after the first year you forget about the snakes...they are good, keep bigger animals away....sit back, enjoy the sunshine!

[CometVoyager]

Originally Posted by TrishP7

I moved to Orlando about 3 weeks ago. My fiance was offered a great position/opportunity within his company so we moved over 1000 miles from Jersey to become Floridians. Let me tell you, not a day goes by that I'm not worried about seeing a snake..the lizards freak me out as is..but my fear of snakes has totally made my transition here a horrible one. I barely ever leave my home. We live in a beautiful community, Hunters Creek..the Capris with pool, fitness center, volleyball court..etc..and I refuse to leave the home..unecessarily. Not that I feel all that safe in my house..every time, I enter a room, I'm looking all over the ceilings, the floors..this whole snake thing has totally over come me. I knew that I had a fear of snakes all my life but I didnt realize how bad it is now that I'm here in Snakeville! Oh Lord..does any one have any word of wisdom..maybe, perhaps I won't see one? What are my chances?? Its so bad, that I literally run to my car and as I get in, I get bumps and bruises all the time. My fear is that one is underneath my car. The other day, I spoke to one of the workers that was mowing the lawn and he said that he's been working in the Capris for about a year and has never seen one. I've also spoken to the Maintenance supervisor and he says, I might see a black or green garden snake but they usually come out early in the morning and the location that I'm in, which is the front of the complex, I just might not see any.

Please shed some light..do I need to leave my fiance and move back to Jersey or will I be just fine.... My head is killing me as I type this!! HELP! sigh....

IMHO I would tell your fiancee' to make life comfortable for you and do his best to help eliminate any anxieties you may have. That is what any good person who you are in love with should do, as that is what love is all about, making the one you love happy and less anxious!

He needs to figure out a way for you to be less fearful of the whole snake thing! If he is unable to do this then he should consider getting a job in Ireland and moving you with him because there are absolutely no snakes in Ireland!!

[TrishP7]

Originally Posted by ItsAboutTime

I am more afraid of the Wild Boar in Florida, and the Bear and Coyote in NJ. I see bear and coyote on a daily basis here in Jersey, and that is worse. It's all what you are used to. I think if you do encounter a few more snakes, you'll see that they didn't harm you, and you'll become less afraid of them. Maybe get one as a pet? Seriously, you can observe it in a controlled (BY YOU) environment and get over your fear!

LOL..not a good idea!

[TrishP7]

Originally Posted by hurt

Run, don't walk to nj. You will hate it in fl.

Thanks for the confirmation..lol!!

[TrishP7]

Originally Posted by CometVoyager

IMHO I would tell your fiancee' to make life comfortable for you and do his best to help eliminate any anxieties you may have. That is what any good person who you are in love with should do, as that is what love is all about, making the one you love happy and less anxious!

He needs to figure out a way for you to be less fearful of the whole snake thing! If he is unable to do this then he should consider getting a job in Ireland and moving you with him because there are absolutely no snakes in Ireland!!

Ireland..hmm..not an option! Its impossible for us to move back to Jersey as it was my idea to move and he got this great promotion! I'll just have to pray that God will help me with my fear and hopefully I'll never hava another encounter or I overcome my fear. sigh..i don't seen neither happening..

[MisterNY]

Hope that works out for you, I honestly do. I feel your pain. I still havent gotten over my fear, I just make sure I keep all areas clean, free of clutter and no bush/shrubbs or tall grass etc. Thank God I dont live near a lake or where I was in Orlando.