Georgia Homeowners Beware: The Argentine Tegu Invasion Could Cost You Thousands—Here’s How to Protect Your Wallet
If you live in Georgia, you might want to check your backyard, garden, and even your chicken coop. The Argentine tegu—a large, non-native lizard that can grow up to 4 feet long—is rapidly invading the state, and it’s not just a creepy-crawly problem. These invasive reptiles are known for digging up lawns, decimating crops, raiding chicken eggs, and even damaging foundations or walkways with their burrowing. While state officials are scrambling to trap and remove them, homeowners are being left to foot the bill for repairs and lost food supplies. Worse, tegus have a taste for native wildlife, potentially driving up pest control costs in the future. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is urging residents to report sightings immediately—and if you spot one, don’t try to capture it yourself. The real cost? From cracked patios to higher grocery bills if they start affecting local agriculture, this invasive threat could hit your wallet hard. Keep an eye out, secure your property, and hope the state's eradication plan gets traction before your wallet takes the hit.