26 Jul How To Get Rid Of Iguanas In Your Backyard
Iguana Invasion in South Florida
South Florida’s warm climate and lush landscapes provide the perfect environment for iguanas to thrive. These large, invasive reptiles have become a common sight in residential areas, often seen lounging on pool decks, feasting on garden plants, or digging burrows along seawalls. While they may seem harmless, iguanas cause significant damage to yards, gardens, and infrastructure if left unchecked. Their population has grown rapidly in recent years due to an abundance of food sources and the lack of natural predators.
Beyond property damage, iguanas create sanitation and structural issues for homeowners and business owners. Their burrowing habits weaken foundations, and their droppings can contaminate outdoor spaces, creating health risks. As a family-owned organic pest control company, Pest Busterzz provides humane and effective solutions to help South Florida residents remove iguanas legally and prevent future infestations. This guide will explain the best ways to get rid of iguanas while following state regulations and protecting the local ecosystem.
Stop Iguanas from Taking Over
Iguanas are not native to Florida, yet they have adapted remarkably well to the subtropical environment. Originally brought to the U.S. as pets, they have established wild populations after escaping or being released. These reptiles flourish in warm temperatures and are especially common near canals, golf courses, residential neighborhoods, and commercial properties with landscaping that provides abundant food.
The biggest issue with iguanas is their destructive impact on landscapes and property. They consume flowers, fruits, and leafy plants, stripping gardens bare in a matter of days. Their burrowing weakens sidewalks, retaining walls, and foundations, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, their droppings spread bacteria, attract flies, and create foul odors in outdoor areas. These reptiles multiply quickly, making early intervention critical to preventing a full-scale invasion.
Spotting an iguana on your property doesn’t always mean you have an infestation, but certain signs indicate a growing problem. One of the most noticeable is chewed-up plants and missing flowers, as iguanas feed heavily on vegetation. If fruit trees or garden beds suddenly show signs of damage, these reptiles may be the culprits.
Burrows along seawalls, garden beds, and the edges of sidewalks suggest that iguanas have established a nesting area. These underground tunnels weaken structures, leading to potential safety hazards. Large, dark droppings found on patios, docks, or near pools indicate their presence as well. Frequent iguana sightings, especially multiple individuals in one area, often mean that an infestation is developing.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Iguanas
Step 1 – Make Your Yard Less Inviting
Iguanas are drawn to properties that offer easy access to food, water, and shelter. Removing attractive food sources is one of the most effective ways to discourage them from lingering in your yard. Fruits, leafy vegetables, and flowering plants are their favorites, so switching to iguana-resistant plants like crotons, oleanders, and coontie palms can reduce their interest in your garden. Keeping pet food indoors and ensuring garbage cans are tightly sealed also helps prevent iguanas from foraging near your home.
Maintaining a well-manicured yard also plays a role in keeping iguanas away. Overgrown grass, shrubs, and tree branches provide hiding spots and easy access to rooftops. Regularly trimming trees and bushes removes these pathways, making it harder for iguanas to move around unnoticed. Reducing standing water sources, such as birdbaths or leaking irrigation systems, further decreases the likelihood of iguanas settling on your property.
Step 2 – Install Iguana-Proof Barriers
Physical barriers offer a long-term solution to preventing iguanas from accessing certain areas of your yard. Fencing around gardens and landscaped areas can keep these reptiles from devouring plants. However, iguanas are skilled climbers, so choosing the right type of barrier is essential. Smooth surfaces that prevent gripping, such as angled metal sheeting or PVC barriers, work best to deter them from scaling fences.
Tree wraps and trunk barriers can also stop iguanas from climbing into fruit trees or palm trees. Using wire mesh around burrow entrances can discourage nesting in your yard. If iguanas have already created burrows, filling them with gravel or sand after ensuring they are empty will prevent them from returning to the same spot. Combining these physical deterrents with habitat modifications makes your yard less appealing to iguanas.
Step 3 – Use Humane Deterrents
Iguanas dislike sudden movements and unexpected disturbances, which makes certain deterrents highly effective. Motion-activated sprinklers and lights startle them, discouraging them from returning to your yard. Installing these near known iguana pathways can significantly reduce their activity over time.
Reflective objects, such as old CDs, aluminum foil strips, or mirrors, disrupt iguanas’ comfort zones by creating flashes of light that make them uneasy. Commercially available iguana repellents use natural ingredients like garlic or pepper-based solutions that create an unpleasant scent and taste. Spraying these on plants and garden areas can help keep iguanas away without harming them.
Step 4 – Trap and Relocate Legally
Trapping iguanas is permitted in Florida, but it must be done humanely and within legal guidelines. Homeowners are allowed to trap iguanas on their property, but releasing them into another area is illegal, as this can cause further environmental disruptions. Instead, captured iguanas must be euthanized humanely or handed over to professional wildlife removal services that follow proper protocols.
Using baited traps placed in areas with high iguana activity can be effective, but trapping requires patience and knowledge of proper handling. Because Florida’s laws prohibit the inhumane killing of iguanas, hiring a professional removal service ensures that state regulations are followed while effectively reducing the population in your yard.
The Right Way to Remove Iguanas
Dealing with an iguana problem can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially as populations continue to grow. Iguanas can be aggressive when cornered, making DIY removal methods risky. Without the proper knowledge of state regulations, homeowners may unknowingly violate wildlife laws while attempting to get rid of these pests.
Professional iguana removal services provide safe, humane, and legal solutions tailored to the specific needs of South Florida homeowners. Experts have specialized equipment to capture and remove iguanas efficiently, preventing them from returning to the same location. They also implement long-term prevention strategies, such as habitat modifications and exclusion methods, to keep yards iguana-free.
Conclusion
Iguanas have become an ongoing challenge for South Florida residents, causing landscape destruction, sanitation concerns, and property damage. Ignoring the problem allows them to multiply quickly, leading to more extensive issues over time. Taking proactive steps to eliminate food sources, install barriers, and use deterrents helps keep them away from your property.
Managing iguanas effectively requires consistent effort and expert knowledge. While DIY methods can help, professional pest control services ensure compliance with state laws while providing long-lasting results. As a family-owned organic pest control company, Pest Busterzz specializes in humane, eco-friendly iguana removal and prevention.
If iguanas have taken over your yard, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Contact Pest Busterzz today for expert iguana control solutions and reclaim your backyard!
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