So You Think You Want Lizards in Your Florida Backyard? A Guide (Because Apparently They Can't Read No Trespassing Signs)
Florida: home to sunshine, beaches, retirees living their best lives, and a surprising abundance of unexpected houseguests - lizards! But before you start picturing Godzilla sunbathing on your pool lounger, these are the smaller, sneakier kind. Still, with their scales and lightning-fast escapes, they can be a surprising addition to your Sunshine State experience.
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| What Lizards Are In Florida |
The Native All-Stars
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Florida boasts a decent selection of homegrown lizard talent. Here's a rundown of the top contenders:
- The Green Anole: Your classic green lizard buddy, a chameleon wannabe that changes color depending on mood (or maybe just wardrobe malfunctions). They're excellent climbers, so you might find them scaling your hibiscus bushes like reptilian ninjas.
- The Brown Anole: This guy's the green anoe's cooler cousin (at least according to him). He's more aggressive and has taken over much of the anole turf war. But hey, competition breeds innovation, right?
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The Exotic Invaders
Florida's warm climate is like a lizard cruise line - all-inclusive and very tempting for foreign species. Here are a few that decided to crash the party:
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- The Brown House Gecko: This little hitchhiker snuck in on a shipping container and decided Florida was nice. They're nocturnal bug-eaters, which is great, because who wants to compete with your nightly pest patrol duties?
- The Iguana: Ah, the infamous Florida iguana. These prehistoric-looking dudes can grow to be pretty big, and they love chowing down on your landscaping. Think of them as living lawnmowers, but way less predictable and much more likely to poop on your patio furniture.
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Living with Lizards: Friend or Foe?
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Look, lizards aren't exactly cuddly (unless you're a giant reptile enthusiast). But they're generally harmless and can help control the pesky bug population. Plus, watching them dart around can be pretty entertaining - it's like having your own personal episode of Planet Earth, minus David Attenborough's soothing narration (although you can totally provide your own commentary, we won't judge).
How to Deal with Your New Reptilian Roommates
Here's the thing: lizards aren't exactly keen on following human social etiquette. So, if you find yourself with unwanted scaly guests, here are a few tips:
- Seal up any cracks or holes: This discourages them from using your home as a vacation rental.
- Trim back bushes: Lizards love leafy hideouts. Thinning out the foliage makes your yard less attractive.
- Embrace the natural order: Lizards eat bugs. Bugs can be annoying. Maybe it's a win-win?
FAQ: Your Top Lizard Q&A
- How to catch a lizard? Let's be honest, this usually ends poorly for both parties. Unless you're a professional lizard wrangler, best to leave them be or call animal control.
- How to get rid of lizards? Exclusion (sealing entry points) and habitat modification (trimming foliage) are your best bets. Harsh chemicals are bad for the environment and the little guys.
- Do lizards bite? Yes, but it's usually a harmless defensive nibble. Just don't handle them if you can avoid it.
- Are lizards good pets? Some lizard species make great pets, but they require specific care. Do your research before welcoming a reptilian roommate.
- Should I be scared of lizards? Nope! Florida lizards are generally harmless. Just respect their space and maybe avoid using your pool float as a lizard jousting arena.
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