Florida gardens are full of surprises. Sure, you expect bees, butterflies, and maybe a squirrel or two—but what about a clumsy armadillo tunneling under your tomatoes? Or a bright green treefrog snoozing in your basil patch?
Here’s a look at Florida’s weirdest garden visitors, why they’re there, and whether they’re friend or foe.
1. Armadillos: The Garden Diggers
What they’re doing: Nine-banded armadillos dig for insects, leaving shallow holes or tunnels in your beds.
Good or bad? Annoying but not destructive to plants—most damage is cosmetic.
What to do: Mulch heavily and avoid overwatering to reduce grub populations (their main food source).
2. Cuban Treefrogs vs. Native Treefrogs
Cuban Treefrog
What they’re doing: Perching in potted plants, hunting insects.
Green Treefrog Squirrel Treefrog
Good or bad? Native green and squirrel treefrogs are fantastic natural pest control. But invasive Cuban treefrogs eat native frogs and lizards.
How to tell the difference: Cuban treefrogs are larger with bumpy skin and sticky, oversized toe pads. Remove them if possible; encourage natives!
3. Black Racer Snakes
What they’re doing: Darting through garden beds, hunting rodents.
Good or bad? Great for pest control! Non-venomous and shy, they almost never bite.
What to do: Let them patrol your yard—free pest control at its finest.
4. Tree Crickets and Katydids
Tree Cricket Kaytydid
What they’re doing: Singing all night and occasionally nibbling leaves.
Good or bad? Mostly harmless and a sign of a healthy garden ecosystem.
5. Tortoises and Box Turtles
Gopher Tortoise Box Turtle
What they’re doing: Occasionally wandering into gardens to nibble greens.
Good or bad? A rare treat to see! Gopher tortoises are protected—enjoy the visit but don’t relocate them.
Why It Matters
Weird visitors aren’t just quirky—they’re part of your garden’s natural balance. Most are beneficial, and even the troublesome ones (yes, we’re looking at you, armadillos) can be managed with a little patience.