For ages, we have either had dogs (dachshunds, or dachs x terrier mutts). or cats, so no worries with rats, mice and suchlike. Spiders I mostly have no problem with, if indoors, I put a clear plastic container over them, slide a thin cardboard underneath, and escort them outdoors. I rarely get startled by one on me, though I try to be cautious, as we do have true black widow and brown recluse spiders. I like observing spiders outdoors, especially orb weavers and jumping spiders. Jumping spiders are small and sort of cat-like/comical, not a threat, good hunters of tiny pests.
I'm cautious about snakes, we do have copperheads (very common) and people do see rattlesnakes occasionally. I've never seen a rattlesnake myself in Georgia, though they are definitely here (I saw too many in Montana and Colorado). I've only killed one copperhead in my life, I felt it was necessary to protect my children and pets at the time, though I've always felt bad about it.
