When you first move to Fort Myers, the warm and humid climate, along with the many canals, ponds, and wetlands, creates a favorable environment not just for people but also for bugs and wildlife.

The most common pest is definitely mosquitoes. They tend to increase significantly from June to October when it rains frequently. Lee County even has an independent mosquito control agency. They deploy aircraft and vehicles for control, but mosquitoes won't completely disappear from around your home.

When spending a lot of time outdoors, it's practical to use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. You should also regularly empty places where water can collect, like plant saucers and buckets. In Florida, mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue fever have been reported, so it's not just a matter of dealing with itchy bugs.

At the beach, no-see-ums can be quite bothersome. As the name suggests, these tiny biting insects are hard to see, but once bitten, you may develop small red spots that can be intensely itchy. They are especially problematic around dawn and dusk on calm days near mangroves and waterways.

Inside your home, you should also be prepared for cockroaches. The large cockroaches commonly referred to as Palmetto bugs in Florida can be surprising due to their size. They don't only appear in dirty homes; they can enter clean homes during heavy rains or extreme heat. This is why many homes seal gaps around doors and plumbing and have regular pest control services.

You should also be cautious of fire ants. If you unknowingly step on a mound of soil in your yard, several of them may swarm and sting you. People with severe allergies may experience systemic reactions.

There are also snakes. Venomous snakes like cottonmouths, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, and coral snakes inhabit the Fort Myers area. However, you won't encounter them daily in residential areas. When walking near wetlands, forests, or waterways, it's important to avoid putting your hands in places you can't see and to stay out of tall grass.

Be aware of black widow spiders. On the other hand, while brown recluse spiders are often said to be common in Florida, their actual distribution is centered in the southeastern United States, and they are generally not as prevalent in Florida as many believe.

And in Fort Myers, there are creatures larger than bugs to be mindful of: alligators. Just because there is water in a pond or canal doesn't mean you should approach it. It's especially wise to avoid getting too close to the water while walking your dog, as small pets can be seen as prey by alligators.

In the ocean, you should also be aware of Red Tide. During severe algal blooms, dead fish may wash up on the beach, and some people may experience coughing or irritation in their eyes and throat due to airborne irritants. Those with asthma or respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious.

Ultimately, living in Fort Myers requires adapting to nature, as it is close to the outdoors. By preparing with some mosquito repellent, regularly pest-proofing your home, being aware of alligators near water, and watching your step in tall grass, you can avoid most issues. Rather than trying to completely avoid bugs and wildlife in Florida, it's much more realistic to know which ones to be cautious of.