Not to distract from the OP's questions... But along the same lines. I've been considering the area as well, but the wife is scared shitless of creepy crawlies (frankly, I don't care for them either). How big of a deal is it truly in the suburbs vs rural areas? Are you cleaning brown recluse out of the house regularly? I know the snakes can be an issue with dogs etc... Am I checking my shoes etc? Walking in the woods like upstate NY I take it is not the same deal?