Anonymous wrote:I would stay and spray the shit out of my yard.
Ditto. Anti-deer measures, too. There are dangers everywhere. After being mugged on the street in a city, would you move from your dream home to escape bad things happening?
I say dig in and make it work. Research best practices and implement them. This incident will fade and your children will have not only all this environment has to offer (your dream) but also a story off family endurance (if it truly colors your experience there for years to come).
The positives you describe so far out measure the negative. People here spray for mosquitos in light of Zika. Some carry sprays in case someone tries to steal their phone. There are loads of choices and adaptations we make when in any given environment. DO see someone about your anxiety. Your location seems perfect for finding someone who would understand your experience and specific fears. Connect with local contractors and gardening services for assistance with the nuts and bolts of safety measures. Let them do it.
The experience does sound awful, but not insurmountable. If you're capable of reclaiming a glorious, big, old house to Elle Decor levels, you're more than capable of acquiring the services you need to safeguard against ticks.