Lizards & wildlife in Jax? Please say the coast is clear... (Jacksonville: house, living) - Florida (FL) - City-Data Forum

dcapl · 12-09-2009, 09:47 PM

We're considering a move to Jacksonville, FL, but after being in Miami in the dead of lizard mating season, I've witnessed just how many lizards can take over a city.

I realize Jacksonville has a significantly different climate than Miami, but we were blasted with lizards in Tampa too (which I'm guessing has similar weather to Jacksonville).

What is the lizard and large insect population like in Jacksonville? How common is it to see the little (and large) guys outdoors? And how about in the home?

I'm certain the majority of responses will be assurance that they're really cute, and I need to get used to them. But I need to mentally prepare for the reality of what I might be in for (it helps to at least know lol).

mawipafl · 12-10-2009, 04:57 AM

We have our share of anoles (the little lizards). Sorry, but I think they are cute and are fascinating to watch: the species that turns brown or green depending on what it's sitting on; the push-up routine (mating? territorial? don't know which). At my house they rarely come inside because I've plugged as many of the little gaps around the doors as I could find.

The anoles do disappear (hibernate?) during the winter months or when the temps are below 60 degrees, so you would have a little bit of a vacation from them. I use them as a thermometer: when I see them running around on my window screen, then I know it's warm enough to put on the shorts and t-shirt and get out of my flannels and socks :-)

As for large insects, I suspect you mean palmetto bugs. We have our share of them, but I don't think the population is as large as it is further south (I remember more of them in Orlando than here in Jax.)

parks71 · 12-10-2009, 07:52 AM

There are TONS of lizards around here. Most times just walking to my door I will see 10 or more running for cover. Big bugs are part of the south as well, lots of palmetto bugs and they are BIG and FLY!!!!! Yeah, my wife almost has a heart attack everytime she sees one of them, her fear will not leave her even though they are harmless and she has lived here all her life.

EricBoyd · 12-10-2009, 08:02 AM

I welcome the lizards, 'cuz they'll be eating the creepy crawlers in my flower beds. During the summer months, at any given time, there are dozens of 'em hanging around my front walk.

fsquid · 12-10-2009, 08:05 AM

I like the lizards. My little girl tries to catch them.

BabyBoomers2 · 12-10-2009, 08:31 AM

Those "little green Geico" lizards are cute, but we sure did have to get use to seeing them when we moved here.......there were none in Huntersville, NC nor in Parker, CO when we lived there! During the summer months, they are like those "little green froggies" that are numerous here also. One of those lizards got into our apt. and I had fun trying/finally getting it out the door. One of those froggies got into our livingroom and jumped in the air right in front of the tv as we were watching it! Got that little critter out the door also! Neither the froggies or the "Geico's" bother us......we think they are cute now!

Joe 4520832257 · 12-10-2009, 09:32 AM

Lizards and bugs are everywhere in Jax.

However, as another post mention, the lizards in Jax are called anoles, which are much smaller than the lizards in South Florida. No iguanas or anything like that.

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fsu813 · 12-10-2009, 11:36 AM

The lizards in my yard eat the insects. i saw one with a big cockroach in his mouth a few months ago.

go get 'em!

i think 1 got into my house one time......hasn't been a problem with either insects or lizards.

KerryB · 12-10-2009, 01:51 PM

Lets see, since I've lived here for the past 2 years, in our backyard alone I've seen TONS of lizards (its just something thats always there), a couple snakes, raccoons hanging out in the trees, spiders galore, turtles, lawn shrimp (yes, these are actual shrimp that come outta the ground & got in our pool during a heavy rain. See here), etc. And now I'm noticing something has been digging & making big holes in our backyard too, so who even knows what that creature could be. Nothing would surprise me at this point though

So yeah. Thats kinda the nature of the beast here. Its Florida, so def expect to see some wildlife.

Ryde41 · 12-10-2009, 04:24 PM

Yeah, you just have to get use to them, eventually you'll become lizard tolerant.