Iguanas are invasive pests introduced to Florida through the exotic pet trade. They destroy the landscape, leave droppings on cars and docks, and can carry salmonella.
Iguanas are considered such a nuisance that the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife placed them on its Prohibited Species list in April of 2021. Here are some ways you can encourage iguanas to leave your property.
Tips For Iguana Removal
Remove Or Cover Any Plants Iguanas Eat
Iguanas will eat almost any tropical plants or vegetables. If you have a yard full of hibiscus, mangos, roses, or similar plants, you are practically inviting iguanas to the buffet table!
Fortunately, there are many equally beautiful plants that iguanas donโt care for. Plants with thick, tough foliage are less appetizing to iguanas, including chenilles, silver buttonwoods, milkweeds, and citrus trees.
Consider replacing iguana favorites with these plants for a beautiful garden that doesnโt look like an iguana smorgasbord. If your plants are well established or grow vegetables for your own consumption, then protect them from hungry iguanas with netting or chicken wire.
Fill In Iguana Tunnels
Iguanas nest in burrows and prefer hot, sunny areas, making your South Florida lawn seem ideal for an iguana nursery. However, these burrows are unsightly and can be dangerous. Burrows are connected with tunnels that may run under sidewalks or houses, weakening the foundation.
Pets and young children step into the deep holes and get injured, and the burrows may attract other unwanted wildlife such as raccoons and snakes. If you see evidence of iguana burrows in your yard, use gravel or rocks to fill them in. Damage from extensive burrowing may require the services of a professional to find and destroy all burrows.
Protect Your Waterways
Iguanas love water and are great swimmers. If you live near water, iguanas have easy access to your property. Iguanas are known to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, contaminating the water with their feces. They also like to burrow near the water, potentially weakening your seawall or canal berm.
Property owners should discourage iguanas by fencing in or covering pools and installing sheeting along seawalls. Dock pilings should be wrapped with metal sheets to prevent iguanas from climbing. If you own a boat, tying large plastic jugs to it will help deter iguanas from climbing in.
Trim Trees And Hedges
Trees and hedges provide perfect cover for iguanas. When not sunning themselves in your yard or by your pool, they can hide in your hedges, or climb trees to rest on the branches. Tree branches extending over your roof are a perfect bridge for iguanas, who then enjoy a rooftop sunbath or find ways into your house.
Ensure to clear any underbrush from hedges that may provide shelter to iguanas, and trim any tree branches extending to your roof. Tree wraps can also be installed to prevent climbing.
Since iguanas are adaptable, a multi-front approach is necessary to keep your property iguana-free. Companies specializing in iguana removal in Fort Lauderdale are the best way to protect against an iguana invasion.
Professionals survey your property for signs of iguanas and access points, install deterrents, and remove iguanas residing on your property. Consider contacting a professional iguana removal service for an evaluation of your home today.
