Your experiences with snakes, spiders, and bugs - specific questions

[katsinthekitchen]

I don't know where to go for info on the reptilian residents, but there are a number of humane societies in Lee County. I bet they could give you complete info on ticks, Lyme, fleas and such.

[BugManTPC]

Originally Posted by k9coach

I'd like to know if ticks are seasonal or year-round in your part of Florida. My understanding is that the mosquitoes and noseeums are a rainy season / summer issue. In general would you say you encounter more snakes and bugs in the summertime? One option I am considering is to live in Florida 10 months of the year and just spend July and August in the Finger Lakes up here in NY state.

I'm also interested in learning what kind of property would discourage / prevent fire ants, insects, snakes, etc. (my concern is for my dogs, they have to use the yard for potties.) Would limiting the amount of grass / bushes / trees help? I am strongly leaning toward no canal / pond / lake as it seems water provides a welcoming environment for the critters I am trying to avoid.

It is safe to assume here in SWFL fleas and ticks are year round.

In Northern Climates, they seek shelter from the cold, just like us. They can have long dormancy periods in between meals. Their eggs can survive even if they don't.

Cold weather helps break reproductive cycles and helps with population control.

We don't have cold weather. We have guys like me crawling around putting out bait or spraying shrubs, baseboards and undersides of furniture.

Good luck.

[jambo101]

For identification purposes heres a couple of informative sites
Florida Insects and Bugs

http://www.wildflorida.com/index.php

[Samiamnh]

Bugman's earlier post was very accurate......good advice
In SE CC we've had no problems at all.We have a bug service that sprays the perimeter of the house and nothing gets in alive.Once in a while a big ol' cockroach staggers in through an open door but he's on his way out already.
Bugman was also spot on about Diatemaceous Earth .....most people haven't even heard of it but it's awesome stuff.Totally safe...no chemicals.....our cats got fleas once and we just rubbed them down with it and they were gone in a few weeks.
Be careful with you ranimals,though,it's abrasive and must be kept away from their eyes

[Kim in FL]

Yes to all your questions.

As for fleas and ticks, they can be a year long problem if you're not treating your yard, home and pet. It has to be all three areas treated...not just one. Don't forget heartworm....you want your dog on heartworm prevention all year long.

[Hotfeet]

OP, I hope you are not overlooking our warm and cuddly scorpions . I haven't spotted any in the house but have found them in a woodpile.

[Barbara]

Would you have a better chance of avoiding some critters if you lived in a high rise building on the higher floors as opposed to a 1st or 2nd floor condo? Just wondering if it makes any difference.

[freddyCF]

Originally Posted by k9coach

If you live in Florida I am interested in learning about your experiences with the following:

1) Fire ants - have you had them on your property? Have you been bitten by a fire ant?

2) Lyme disease - do you personally know anyone who contracted it from a tick bite in Florida? (or any other tick-borne disease?)

3) If you have dogs - have fleas or ticks been a problem?

4) Spiders - have you personally encountered any widow or recluse spiders? How often do you find large spiders in your house?

5) Snakes - have you encountered a coral snake, cottonmouth, or rattlesnake? (Or a copperhead - not sure if they are found in your area.) How often do you see snakes of any kind on your property?

6) Noseeums & mosquitoes - do you currently have bites from these insects? Are they a regular nuisance in the summertime or fairly easy to avoid?

It would be helpful if you could include your general location with your answers.

Note: I have asked these types of questions in other forums. I am comparing responses from various areas.

1. Yes, Yes multiple times
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. No
6. No, They don't bother w/me at all
Cape Coral

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by Barbara

Would you have a better chance of avoiding some critters if you lived in a high rise building on the higher floors as opposed to a 1st or 2nd floor condo? Just wondering if it makes any difference.

No, because you can still have spiders, roaches, fleas and/or ticks on the 2nd floor and up. Snakes maybe not so much.

When living in a multifamily dwelling, you want to make sure each unit is treated as well as the grounds. you might spray and keep your unit free and clear from fleas and roaches, but you neighbor might not......