Sharon: Yes, Florida has very large roaches that are called Palmetto Bugs because they are known in the southern part of the state to nest and live in Palm trees. I remember back in 1967 when my family first moved to Florida (Miami) there was a dead palm tree stump in the backyard right near the backdoor. For some reason my dad decided to burn the stump ... he dug a large hole around the base and lit the thing on fire. Well, the ickiest thing happened, palmetto bugs came swarming from that palm stump ... thousands of them! It was so gross! I know bugs have there place too but I do not like bugs and I do want to come in contact with them! Those Palmetto Bugs are giant cockroaches that can actually fly short distances! I haven't seen one in quite some time and it gives me the shivers just thinking about it! Many years ago when we had lots of rain one or two appeared in the garage (EEK) so I bought some of those Combat Large Roach Baits and haven't seen one since ... I always make sure I have those baits in the garage year round ... I'd be so afraid of one getting inside the house!
Raccoons are smart critters! I've had them take entire suet feeders and abscond with them! Armadillo's don't bother me much, I don't see them too often and I know they come digging for grubs that are in the lawn ... they gotta eat too.
Possums are seen on occasion and I wouldn't get too close to those critters either ... they have huge, long fang teeth! We have alligators here too and I hope I never see one in the waterway behind my new house (although I've heard they are there. My property slopes down to the water so I don't get too close ... knowing me I'd trip and roll right down into the jaws of a gator.
I've also heard there's at least one otter family in the waterway and I look forward to spotting them this summer but I'm just happy with all the birds that visit!
I just noticed that other than Sharon, those of us who have posted so far are all named Linda.
