Key largo located in Monroe County is one of the first islands of many located in the Florida keys. Seeing Iguanas in Key Largo for tourists is a great experience, but the damages created by iguanas are not as great. Local residents, resorts & businesses have been battling these invasive iguanas for many years and are tired of these intrusive reptiles. The destruction and health risks left behind by iguanas have become an ongoing battle which has also caused taxpayers lots of money due to repairs. Tourist hot spots have also been impacted negatively which has caused a loss in revenue and bad reviews for these establishments.
Iguana Trouble In Paradise:
Green iguanas have been impacting Key Largo and the Florida keys since the late 1960’s. Iguanas were once a great encounter but have become a sore eye for many locals. The damages created by these invasive reptiles have impacted many properties negatively due to plant damage and burrowing activities. Seawalls, sidewalks and even roads have eroded due to these burrows and tax payers are the ones paying the ultimate price. Local resorts have hired iguana removal companies due to iguanas defecating in swimming pools and lounging areas which are health risks for tourists. Also, the impact to local native species such as the Miami blue butterfly which you can find in Bahia Honda State Park have also been affected negatively.
Iguanas Are Bad For Business:
Running a local business in Key Largo can be a dream for many, but having iguanas around can turn that dream into a nightmare. Iguanas have infested many local businesses which have impacted them negatively. Replacement of plants and damages to surfaces have become costly which is why many locals are fed up. Various resorts have also grown tired of iguanas due to the continuous clean up that must be implemented due to iguana feces. When iguanas defecate in swimming pools, resorts must close them down to have them properly cleaned & sanitized. This can bring frustration to resort staff and guests as this process can take hours. Iguanas digging burrows is another problem as these holes dug by iguanas can lead to bodily harm to humans and pets. All these negative occurrences end up costing businesses and resorts time and money which can be a negative for many. Also, tourists being impacted negatively by iguanas can lead to bad reviews which can affect these businesses and resorts.
Boat Owners Impacted By Iguanas:
Fishing in Key Largo goes hand in hand for many visitors, iguanas and fishing, not so much! Many local captains that charter guests on fishing excursions have also had their fair share of iguana related problems. Some have even ended up finding iguanas on their boats while there in the middle of the ocean, this can be very problematic. Boat owners keep their boats in prestige conditions to preserve their investments, when iguanas poop on certain boat surfaces it can damage upholstery and paint due to the acid found in iguana droppings. Not to mention, iguana poop may have bacteria such as salmonella. Seadeks, electrical components on boats are also at risk of being damaged due to iguanas having razor sharp nails and teeth. All these occurrences can become costly, imagine a tourist canceling a fishing trip due to a boat full of feces? That’s hundreds of dollars lost. Many local boat dealers and charters have contacted iguana removal companies to remove these invasive reptiles.
Iguana Safety
Approaching wild iguanas might not be the best idea especially if you don’t have experience handling them. These invasive reptiles have extremely sharp teeth that they use to cut through greenery and fruits and very sharp nails they use to climb. These razor sharp teeth and nails can easily cut through human and pet flesh. Did you know that iguanas use their tails for self defense? Iguanas can whip their tails at speeds of 30 mph! That can sting. Handling iguana requires experience which is why we don’t recommend trying to grab one for a picture. Areas where iguanas frequently travel through will typically have iguana feces, tourists should advise staff of these affected areas to avoid any potential health risks. If you find an iguana inside your home it’s important to not corner if as it will try to defend itself, contact an iguana removal expert to have it properly removed. It’s important to share this valuable information with tourists & their children to avoid health risks and potential bodily harm.
Iguana Pest Control
As a leading expert in Iguana Control, our company has been recognized by our efforts to eradicate iguanas that have infested areas throughout South Florida & Key Largo. By deploying various iguana control strategies, we have helped many residents, businesses and resorts throughout Key Largo. Our mission is to save our customers money and keep them safe throughout the entire process. We not only trap iguanas, we also monitor breeding activity to remove iguana eggs to avoid further infestations. Since the Florida Keys has dense mangroves, we have implemented Night Time Iguana Removal services which have shown incredible results. With various methods of iguana removal, Humane Iguana Control can keep Key Largo as a paradise worth visiting. If you’re ready to keep your tropical oasis iguana free, contact us!
