Broward County in Florida is dealing with an influx of invasive iguanas. These invasive reptiles have spread out throughout Broward county affecting homes, schools & businesses negatively. Not only are iguanas affecting locals, the county itself has had their handful because of iguanas destroying common areas such as parks, canals and government agencies. Damages to these areas end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year. Iguana removal services have increased substantially as iguanas have continued to reproduce in alarming numbers.
Invasive Iguanas In Broward County:
Iguanas establish themselves around canals in Broward County where they mate and breed continuously. Once iguanas successfully lay their eggs, they will hatch within 90-120 days. After the newly hatched iguanas find their way out of their burrows, they will search for food and water. This is when invasive iguanas travel onto local properties such as homes, schools, business and more. If they find a location with suitable living environments, they will make this location their new home. Properties infested with iguanas will face damages such as landscaping damages, property damages and potential health risks because of fecal contamination. Iguana removal efforts have been implemented by both local and government agencies to control the growing population of invasive iguanas.

Damages Caused By Iguanas:
Throughout Broward County, iguanas have caused severe damage to properties. As plant eaters, they consume specific plants, leading to plant death, resulting in high costs for property owners and the county. Burrowing poses another significant issue as these actions cause structures to crack and collapse from erosion. During the breeding season, iguanas dig burrows up to 70 feet long to lay their eggs. Over time, these burrows collapse, endangering the structural integrity of buildings. Repairs caused by burrowing not only raise concerns about costly expenses but also pose risks of bodily harm to humans and pets. Roads and sidewalks can also collapse due to burrowing, leading to car damages and potential injuries to pedestrians and animals who may not be aware of the unstable surfaces. Iguana control companies have been contracted to remove iguanas in these common areas to avoid these damages and potential bodily harm.

Iguanas Breeding Causes Infestations:
During the months of October – December, male iguanas will mate with females throughout Broward county. Once mating season has passed female iguanas will begin to dig burrows around your property during the months of January – April to lay their eggs. Female iguanas can lay many eggs in one burrow, anywhere from 20-70 eggs at a time. After 90-120 days, newly hatched iguanas will dig themselves out of the burrow and will begin to search for food and water. Laying up to 70 eggs a year, iguanas can easily infest properties which can be difficult to control if not controlled early. Iguanas digging holes may be hard to identify if you are not familiar with the hole. When iguanas dig they use their heads and legs making a half circle shape. It’s important to not cover holes dug by iguanas until the holes are inspected properly, removing iguanas and their eggs from burrows is essential to avoid new burrows and infestations. Infestations can be avoided by implementing iguana removal & iguana monitoring services.
Common Iguana Behavior:
Invasive iguanas are very smart & peculiar reptiles. Common behavior of iguanas is worth knowing to be educated in case of damages and health risks were to occur. Typically iguanas tend to stay in the same property but may travel for water and food if it is not available on the property where they live. This makes it difficult to trap iguanas because of the iguanas not always being present on the property. Plants damage can also be identified since there can be other animals or insects feeding on those plants. Iguanas have “ V ” shaped jaws & very sharp teeth which they use to bite on leaves and fruits. This bite bark can determine if the iguana is the culprit! With iguana poop, it can also be easily identified. Droppings of iguanas will usually always be in the same spot. Also, when iguanas defecate, they release a liquid with their feces leaving a small puddle. Iguana poop can also be identified by its texture because of the iguanas diet. For example, if iguanas are eating palm tree seeds, the iguana droppings will have a lumpy texture.

Can I keep Iguanas Away?
In keeping iguanas away there are a couple of strategies you can use once iguana removal has been implemented. Cutting back overgrown trees & brush will keep iguanas from climbing onto your property. This can also be done to keep iguanas from climbing onto your roof. Changing landscaping plants can deter iguanas because of lack of food on your property. There are also plants you can install to keep iguanas away such as society garlic, iguanas do not like the taste which can deter them from your garden. Fake owls can also be placed in certain areas to keep iguanas away, it’s important to use owls with swimming heads and move them throughout your property periodically, so iguanas do not become accustomed to the owls. Iguana deterrent can also apply to plants around your home. Continuous application must be implemented in order for the deterrent to be effective. Overall, the best way to keep iguanas away is to have a professional iguana control company monitor iguanas to avoid new infestations.
Professional Iguana Removal:
Humane Iguana Control is a professional iguana removal service company that provides effective strategies to keep iguanas off of your property. With years of experience, our iguana control team has the knowledge to remove & keep iguanas away. We use techniques such as iguana trapping, pole snaring, hand captures and pellet rifle removals which have shown significant results. By using our once a month iguana monitoring service, we can ultimately keep your property iguana free, which in return will bring you peace of mind. By hiring Humane Iguana Control, we can Keep your family & pets safe! Removing iguanas from your property not only keeps families and pets safe, but it also helps our ecosystem and native species. If you’re ready for a positive iguana removal experience, contact the pros at Humane Iguana Control.


