Florida’s subtropical climate makes it a haven for unique wildlife, including iguanas. Residents of South Florida, especially, are no strangers to spotting these large reptiles in their yards. While they may seem harmless at first glance, if not a little intriguing, iguanas can cause serious problems for homeowners. With their diet and behavior, they damage property and threaten local ecosystems. Here’s everything you need to know about iguanas:
Appearance
Iguanas are rather large creatures and can grow up to five feet long. They’re typically bright green, but can be brown or black. They’re easily recognized by the spines that run along their backs and down their tails. Males have a prominent jowl and dewlap, the flap of skin hanging under their chins that they use to regulate their body temperature, attract mates and scare off predators.
Where They’re Found
Iguanas enjoy basking in the sun, making open areas of your lawn, patios and pool decks popular hangout spots. Since they like to dig and feed on vegetation, you may find them around foundations, fences and other structures around your home, as well as near landscaping. While iguanas are generally found outside the home, they’re skilled climbers, which helps them find access to the inside of your home, as well. They can use trees and walls to make their way up to your roof and, potentially, inside your attic or crawl space.
Feeding Habits
Iguanas eat a primarily herbivorous diet, feasting on a wide variety of vegetation, including flowers, fruits and other plants. Their feeding habits can quickly destroy gardens and landscaping, leaving behind stripped plants and chewed leaves. Over time, this not only creates an aesthetic issue but also a financial burden for homeowners who have to fix their landscaping and gardens.
Burrowing
One of the most destructive aspects of iguana behavior is their burrowing. They burrow primarily to create a safe place to lay their eggs, protected from predators and environmental hazards. These tunnels can cause structural damage to foundations, seawalls, sidewalks and other structures. For homes near bodies of water, the damage to seawalls is especially concerning, since this can weaken their integrity, decreasing the protection against erosion or flooding. Regardless of where the damage is located, it can lead to safety issues and expensive repairs.
Health Risks
Along with the damage they cause to your property, iguanas can also pose serious health risks to you and your family. Their feces can carry bacteria, including Salmonella, which can contaminate soil, water and surfaces. Their feces are also known to accumulate quickly. This buildup not only creates unsanitary conditions but also a foul odor.
Invasive Species
Although it may seem otherwise, iguanas are not native to Florida. While there’s no proven way of knowing how they were introduced to this area, it’s often thought that their presence is due to people releasing them as pets. Due to the climate and lack of natural predators in Florida, iguanas thrive. They compete with native wildlife for food and shelter, making them a threat to local species. Due to their competition with local animals and tendency to disrupt vegetation, they pose a growing threat to South Florida’s native ecosystems. For this reason, they’re classified as invasive species.
Tips for Keeping Iguanas Away
First and foremost, you should never feed iguanas, intentionally or unintentionally. Clear out fallen fruit, secure trash and pet food, and remove debris in your yard. You can also try landscaping with plants that iguanas generally dislike, which include species with thick, waxy leaves, like citrus, oleander and milkweed. Keep your lawn well-manicured by trimming back shrubs and trees, especially near roofs. You can also try tree wraps to deter climbing. For effective long-term prevention, work with a pest control professional who can implement the proper exclusion techniques and provide additional guidance.
Knowing the signs of iguanas and how to deter them is the first step toward protecting your home. If you discover an iguana in your yard or home despite your best efforts, the West Palm Beach wildlife removal pros at Nextgen Pest Solutions are here to help. With humane removal techniques and expert exclusion measures, we safely remove iguanas from your property and keep them from coming back. Contact us today for a free quote.
