I'm extremely afraid!!!! (Orlando, Hunters Creek, Celebration: property taxes, maintenance, hotels)

[NYLATINQT]

Frogs & lizards used to freak me out when i first moved to Florida and then i got used to them. I only saw a snake one time in the grass and honestly, i tried not to walk in the grass after that. But from the way that you sound, i think you need to see a shrink. No joke, you have a definite phobia. The snake issue is not that serious in Florida.

[gypsystar]

Yes, I agree, you REALLY need to talk to a professional about your phobia. That is nothing to be ashamed about - but you need to work through this fear as it is ruining your life, and you are living in a beautiful part of the country!! I lived in Florida for a total of 6 years and am really freaked out about creepy crawlies, too. I never saw a snake, and now I think the lizards are cute!

Seriously, make an appt. with a psychiatrist - soon. I have an abnormal fear of diseases (hypochondriac) and talking to someone really helped me since my fear was ruining my quality of life.

Check this out:

Everyone who wants or has a snake has, at some time or another, encountered someone who is ophidiphobic--afraid of snakes.
One of the key things to understand is that fear and loathing of snakes is usually a totally irrational fear. The times it is not totally irrational are those times where there is some basis for the fear, but the fear has expanded beyond all proportion to the causative incident.

[Wilshire81182]

I really like the lizards. I have yet to see a snake. I tend to get more freaked out over the cockroaches. I think they are so wretched.

[Dallas Gator]

Rattlesnakes and water mocacins are not the biggest threat. The most poisonous snake is the coral snake which is the size of a pencil in thickness and can easily get through small cracks into your house. If I were you I'd make the fiance invest heavily in sealing/weather proofing the house - a better option would be to move into a high rise condo - or possibly Ireland...

[TrishP7]

Thank you all for the great advice. Its funny..i'm not afraid of alot of things. But this phobia of snakes has really gotten the best of me!! I'm shocked..never thought I'd have this attitude! I have to be honest, I feel better already by most of your comments. I appreciate it big time. Its only been 3 weeks so I need not to be hasty. But again, we all have a certain fear out there..if you think you don't, it just hasnt been revealed to you just. Before I see a psychiatrist, I will continue to pray that God will help me through my fears and I will be fine. Thats free assistance right there. Thanks again!

[TrishP7]

Originally Posted by Dallas Gator

Rattlesnakes and water mocacins are not the biggest threat. The most poisonous snake is the coral snake which is the size of a pencil in thickness and can easily get through small cracks into your house. If I were you I'd make the fiance invest heavily in sealing/weather proofing the house - a better option would be to move into a high rise condo - or possibly Ireland...

Not very helpful..but thanks for your input.

[Keeper]

Coral Snakes occur in many types of habitats throughout the state but are seldom encountered because they are quite secretive and spend much of their lives underground.

[TrishP7]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Coral Snakes occur in many types of habitats throughout the state but are seldom encountered because they are quite secretive and spend much of their lives underground.

Thanks again!!

[Wendyb0077]

Hi TrishP7, I've lived in Florida since 1989 from NJ. The first thing I encountered was two large Spiders hanging off the back of my new home. I am scared to death of spiders. EEEK!!! There are lots of critters in beautiful FL and like the poster's have said they are more scared of you then you are of them. We see snakes every so often from the vacant lot next door. Also, large turtles, Sand Hill cranes, lots of lizards, Black wild Pigs, large cats. You will get used to Florida! When your fear let's up you will really enjoy the beautiful wildlife. Saw a show on Maury this morning about phobia's. All the people were helped by a specialist in the field. Good Luck and Welcome to Florida.

[TrishP7]

Thanks for your greeting and advice. I just hate em..suppose feelings are mutual ;-)..sigh, only time will tell! Hope I will eventually get used to the wildlife here in FL..I really do. This is a lovely place.