"Giant" problem with idea of relocating Southeast

[flamingomonkey]

Like so many people, I have at least idly considered the idea of moving to the sunbelt. Out of all the Southern states, NC would be at the top of my list by a wide margin. Beautiful, diverse state, lots of large and progressive cities, strong economy, etc. Only one little issue.

I have a problem with insects, bordering on a phobia. I know it's common for those in Florida, and probably other deep south states, to have giant roaches running and flying about their homes. Is this an issue in NC? I'm particularly concerned since I would probably buy a condo or townhome if I were to relocate. Even in Chicago, there's a good chance you'll have an occasional roach in a large multi-family building. I made the mistake of once renting an apartment, in a 40 unit building, where there was the odd roach, and I was almost hysterical. This is the one issue that would absolutely keep me in the snow belt. If you live in a single family home or small multi-family building (as I do now) and it's clean and well maintained, you will, more than likely, never see any roaches.

[monsoon]

Well there are roaches in NC. But I have found that in everyplace that I have ever lived, I've never had a problem with them. I think the key is that you have to keep things clean. There are plenty of other insects here though. I would choose a part of NC where there is routine freezing weather as that does put the whammy on them for several months.

[peaceloveunderstanding]

I have not seen any roaches in NC but I am sure that they do indeed exist. Keeping things clean is key and if you see anything, take the steps necessary to eradicate it before it takes over your house.

[orulz]

Roaches can definitely be a problem, if you live somewhere that the previous owners/occupants did not take care to prevent their spread and wound up with an infestation.

I have never had an issue with them at all. I lived in my previous apartment for 12 months, and during that time I saw one cockroach. I saw a couple per year when I was living in the dorms at NC State University, but those buildings were, by and large, s***holes. Regardless, it's not a daily occurance.

If you dislike ants, though, you may want to look elsewhere. From mid to late spring, ants are everywhere. They're smart little buggers, and once one gets in then the entire nest follows. Personally, I don't mind ants at all - they don't bite, they're small, harmless, and actually somewhat entertaining to watch.

[DigitalSky]

We've seen a roach or two, but nothing uncommon. Just get your home exterminated and you should be fine

also check this out http://www.terminix.com/Pest/Map/

a map of the most prevalant pests by region by month

[MZT]

We do have BIG mouse-sized "palmetto bugs" that live near the creeks and sewers.

[ezcheese]

i moved into a house my dad owned in greensboro after a bunch of guys who did NOT keep the place clean moved out. the house had a bad roach problem. they were everywhere and they were NOT affraid of the lights.

after a month of using roach traps and some spray, i didn't see any more roaches. if you really want to be sure you're rid of all kinds of insects, it's definitely worth it to go the extra mile and get an exterminator to spray the premesis.

also, i hate to tell you this, but if you see one roach, you can be sure that there is a whole group of them living in the house.

as long as you get any problems under control when you move in and then keep the place clean, you should be fine.

[graydog]

If bugs are a deal breaker, then NC is probably not the place for you, especially south of I-40. There is a reason Charlotte was nicknamed "hornet's nest." Roaches are not much of a problem. Ants and spiders are the worst, especially fire ants and wolf spiders. Both of those suckers have a nasty bite. I never put my shoes on without first shaking them out. (Learned that the hard way.) I've also heard stories about praying mantises attaching themselves to the skin with their claws and you cannot get them off.

[monsoon]

Not debating the bug issue, but Charlotte's nickname "Hornet's Nest" came from the British General Cornwallis in reference to having to fight the fiesty Charlotteans during the Revolutionary War. "There's a rebel behind every bush, it's a veritable nest of hornets."

[ezcheese]

If bugs are a deal breaker, then NC is probably not the place for you, especially south of I-40. There is a reason Charlotte was nicknamed "hornet's nest." Roaches are not much of a problem. Ants and spiders are the worst, especially fire ants and wolf spiders. Both of those suckers have a nasty bite.    I never put my shoes on without first shaking them out. (Learned that the hard way.) I've also heard stories about praying mantises attaching themselves to the skin with their claws and you cannot get them off.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i had a praying mantis climb onto my hand once and it really freaked me out because they do have an INSANE grip! they hold on so tight with their little pinchers that it actually hurts a little.

[flamingomonkey]

also, i hate to tell you this, but if you see one roach, you can be sure that there is a whole group of them living in the house.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know. That's why I'm particularly hysterical when it comes to roaches. I've learned to deal with the odd spider or silverfish. But if I see a roach, the thought of hunderds more in my walls... It's just too much to contemplate.

[OE-305]

I've also heard stories about praying mantises attaching themselves to the skin with their claws and you cannot get them off.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That simply does not happen. You've been watching too many Godzilla movies.

[ilektronik]

I saw more bugs in upstate NY than I have down here in Charlotte to be honest with you. It's hotter down here but it doesn't seem to be as humid as lower great lake towns get in the summer.

[Tayfromcarolina]

If you live in the south yet in a city it's not too bad. Unless it's a heavily wooded area within the city or the suburbs and rural area. But otherwise I havent faced a problem with criters other than the occasional spider.

[DCMetroRaleigh]

Uh, the biggest roaches I have ever seen were in New York City. The biggest mosquitos were in Minnesota. NC should be no problem.

[Rickydavisfan21]

NC barely has a roach problem, I am orginally from Charlotte, and since I moved to Savannah, GA, I don't even recognize charlotte roaches as roaches, because in savannah they are 2-3 inchs long, sometimes longer, it is ridiculous.

[MR-2]

Ticks and Mosquitos are the biggest irritants here. They tend not to move inside with you, and in the parts that get a decent winter they aren't very prevalent.

If you're camping anywhere in the summer, you will get mosquito bites. It can be 5 or 50 depending on how much deet you wear. For ticks, just check yourself and avoid tall grass. I got a couple from my dog and it was not fun to say the least.

[waynehead]

I agree, the biggest problem you'll face here is the mosquitos; if they don't bother you that much (in terms of phobia) I'd say don't worry about it. You'll see an occasional roach wherever you live but if you keep your home clean you won't have to worry that much.

In the urban areas in NC you won't face this problem, but if you head out into the country you will encounter all kinds of creepy crawlers, huge horseflies, dragonflies, millipedes, yadda yadda. It's just part of a rural setting.