bugs in southeast VA (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake: fit in, rental, house)

[drdj90]

Ok--I just read a post in another sub-forum that reminded me of my greatest phobia--bugs. I have been ashamed as a grown, 40-something, mother of four with a doctorate(and a BA in biology no less!)to admit that I am PETRIFIED of bugs--centipedes, spiders,beetles--you name it. I'm not particularly fond of rodents or reptiles either.
Anyway--in spite of this, we are planning to relocate in September to the Virginia Beach area, possibly even Chesapeake--and now that I have already "signed on the dotted line" for the job, I find myself secretly wondering what creatures I am going to encounter at home and at work!!
Any comments on pests and infestations/problem areas in southwest VA?

[drdj90]

Noticed a typo in my post--that last sentence contains the phrase "southwest" Va. It should read "southeast " VA--sorry!

[jb124]

I don't live in SE VA, but in NoVa, the worst bug, by FAR, that I have come across is the common house centipede. They're basically harmless to humans and are actually a benefit in the sense that they kill other bugs, but they scare the excrement out of me if I don't see them in time. They move VERY fast when they want to and love to live in the gaps between carpet and moulding. Odds are you'll encounter them in VaBeach too.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_centipede

Edit: the only harmful bugs I know of in VA are widow and recluse spiders, but I've personally never seen either one in the 31 years I've lived here.

[shellytc]

hmm, I live in Va. Beach and haven't seen that bug... We aren't like the deep south in that we don't have palmetto bugs. Those suckers are scary!!!

We are pretty normal. You do have to keep your pets protected from fleas. there are mosquito's. but nothing that I can think of that is too yucky. We do have spiders, but I use a pest control company, and they keep our yard and house pretty bug free.

Welcome to Va. Beach!!

Shelly

[drdj90]

Originally Posted by jb124

I don't live in SE VA, but in NoVa, the worst bug, by FAR, that I have come across is the common house centipede. They're basically harmless to humans and are actually a benefit in the sense that they kill other bugs, but they scare the excrement out of me if I don't see them in time. They move VERY fast when they want to and love to live in the gaps between carpet and moulding. Odds are you'll encounter them in VaBeach too.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_centipede

Edit: the only harmful bugs I know of in VA are widow and recluse spiders, but I've personally never seen either one in the 31 years I've lived here.

You just had to include that picture of one of the creepiest creatures ever, jb124. I live in abject fear of those things!! I think written descriptors should suffice in the future....
Thanks,shellytc--I may be picking your brain soon for housing rental advice in the Princess Anne school district to start!

[shellytc]

Happy to help.

Shelly

[jennabg]

i have lived in virginia beach for 8 years and the worst problem we have had here was with ants and spiders but we live on the water and the ants were caused by my brother leaving a ton of food in his room that the ants got to