Giant African Snails Invade Florida - What You Need To Know

Florida is no stranger to invasive species. This past year we had an invasive species of spiders that we needed to be on the lookout for. So when the news broke about a giant African snail sighting in Florida, it shouldn’t surprise anyone. However, it should be taken very seriously. The giant African snail has quite the history in the Sunshine State, dating all the way back to the 1960s. Right now, residents of Pasco County should be on the lookout, but really all Florida residents should at the very least understand what to keep an eye out for with these snails and what to do if they spot one.

The history of giant African snails in Florida dates back to the 1960s when they were first found in the southern portion of the state. It took nearly a decade to get rid of these snails, and over $1 million dollars was spent doing so.

However, on June 23, 2022, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed that giant African snails were detected in New Port Richey, an area located within Pasco County.

These are not your average snails by any means, which is why such effort is made to eradicate them. Giant African snails consume over 500 different types of plants, which means that alone they could devastate Florida agriculture. In addition, these snails also are said to eat paint and stucco, too, causing extreme damage to homes.

But that’s not all. These snails can also pose a very serious health risk to humans. Giant African snails are known to carry the parasite rat lungworm, which causes meningitis in humans. Meningitis can be deadly and very serious. It causes inflammation of the membranes that protect and cover the brain and spinal cord.

Giant African snails are illegal to import and possess within the United States without a permit. If you happen to come across one of these snails, do not handle it without wearing gloves or other protective gear.

At just four months of age, a giant African snail can lay thousands of eggs at a time, eventually growing as an adult to become eight inches in length.

If you come across a giant African snail in Florida, contact your state USDA office or plant pest control agency immediately.

Have you ever seen a giant African snail in your city? Did you know these snails even existed? Please share with us your thoughts in the comments section!

To find out more information about this invasive species in Florida, check out the website for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

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Giant African Snails Have Invaded Florida Again - Here's Everything You Need To Know

Marisa Roman

Author

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