Giant African Land Snails: Florida’s Invasive Threat

Giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica) have established in the Miami‑Dade area. These rat‑sized snails consume over 500 plant species, chew stucco for calcium, and can carry a parasite causing meningitis in humans.

Why They’re So Dangerous

• Hermaphroditic—each mating produces two egg‑laying snails.
• Reach adulthood in one month; lay thousands of eggs per year.
• No natural predators in Florida.
• Damage crops, ornamental plants, and structural stucco.

What to Do If You See Them

Do not handle with bare hands. Report sightings to the Florida Department of Agriculture or a Brevard County pest control professional. The state has launched an aggressive eradication campaign; public vigilance is critical.