Whilst googling around for info for a list of problems SoCal doesn't have, came across this problem which I sincerely hope we don't get. Poor Florida!

Florida fights stucco-eating African snails

Entomologist Trevor Smith talks about Florida's battle with an invader that has an appetite for plants – and stucco.

By Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times

May 4, 2013, 8:00 a.m.

An epic battle is raging in South Florida: man against snail.

The state is struggling to contain an invasion of the giant African land snail, a species that thrives in hot and wet tropical climates. These gooey and destructive mollusks grow up to 8.5 inches long, feast on 500 different types of plants and nibble on calcium-rich stucco, which they use to construct their cone-shaped shells.

The snails are originally from East Africa but can now be found throughout the world. Aside from destroying plants and buildings, they can also be carriers of a type of meningitis.

Trevor Smith, an entomologist, is leading the eradication effort for Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He spoke with The Times about the slimy invaders.

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