North Bay Village has seen an increase in invasive iguanas throughout the island. Iguanas can be found throughout the entire island as these invasive reptiles have been reproducing for years! The damages caused by these reptiles have negatively affected residents and businesses and local officials are worried. Being surrounded by water, iguanas have climbed onto the island and have infested many local areas. Damages & health risks from iguanas have also become a major concern for schools and public parks. Residents are tired of the reptiles and have sought help from professional iguana removal companies to control the damage.
The Iguana Infestation:
For years iguanas have been noticed through North Bay Village, but recently iguanas have become increasingly abundant in public areas. From schools to condominiums, iguanas can be found eating plants, digging burrows and leaving fecal matter in common areas. Reproducing at alarming rates, controlling the infestation has not been easy for many locals. When females breed, they lay clutches of eggs in burrows of up to 70 eggs. Having few predators in urban areas, iguanas can thrive and reproduce without any issues. Male and female iguanas can be found on streets, sidewalks and even on roofs throughout the island. Iguanas defecate frequently in public areas, which can cause health risks due to salmonella poisoning. Cleaning up this mess can become frustrating especially since it happens frequently. To control the invasion of iguanas, iguana removal & control efforts have been implemented in many parts of the island.
Negative Impact Of Green Iguanas:
Since the 1960s, the iguana population has grown by the thousands throughout South Florida, including North Bay Village. The negative impacts that iguanas have caused have also been seen and heard worldwide. The damages in West Palm Beach, totaling 1.8 million dollars, and the presence of iguanas in toilets have had a strong negative impact on our region. Not only humans are affected by these invasive reptiles; native animals are also suffering because of iguana behavior. Iguanas, as herbivores, eat native plants and this is causing a decrease in the availability of these plants for other native animals. Native species such as burrowing owls, Miami blue butterflies, and tree snails are being affected, and some are even endangered. Iguanas in Florida are considered invasive by the FWC because they have negative economic and wildlife effects. Therefore, efforts are being made to remove them. Iguana removal has become essential to preserve the aesthetic beauty of North Bay Village.
Health Impacts Due To Iguanas:
As iguanas reproduce throughout North Bay Village, the potential health risks also increase. It’s well known that iguanas and their feces carry a bacteria called salmonella which can affect humans and pets. Schools are really worried about this because kids might not realize if there’s poop where they play. Swimming pools are also being impacted as iguanas are known to dive in at times to regulate their body temperatures. Boat owners have also become extremely frustrated due to iguanas lounging & defecating on boats. Iguana feces not only carries bacteria , but it can also stain surfaces due to the acid in the feces. Ticks and mites can also be found on iguanas which can also cause health risks to humans and pets. While iguanas travel for food, they may spread ticks, causing further infestations of these parasites. It’s important to fumigate, clean off and sanitize areas impacted by iguana & their feces.
Insights & Education:
Sharing valuable insights and educational facts about invasive iguanas is essential to help North Bay Village residents. We understand that dealing with invasive iguanas can be frustrating for locals. That’s why we take the time to explain all the possible situations and solutions related to iguanas. Iguanas are originally from Central and South America, but they have also made their homes in some parts of the US. This happened because they were either released or escaped from their owners.
Iguanas eat plants and drink water during the day. When the sun goes down, iguanas will climb trees to sleep as they are diurnal like humans. Preventive measures can be taken to keep iguanas off trees such as cutting them back or installing clear tree wraps. Install plants that iguanas don’t eat to keep them away from your home.
Iguana Breeding Season:
When you find holes around your property during the months of January – April, you most likely have iguanas. Female iguanas will dig holes around your yard to lay her eggs. She will keep digging until she finds a soft enough spot to lay her eggs. Once she lays her clutch, which can be anywhere between 20–70 eggs, she will partially cover up the burrow to keep her eggs safe. Hatchings will dig themselves out in about 90–120 days to begin their life cycle. Many of the eggs will not hatch which is a relief due to potential infestations. Covering holes dug by iguanas is not recommended until the burrows are properly checked. Filling holes dug by iguanas with iguanas or their eggs inside will just create more burrows. Removing iguanas and their eggs from the burrows is essential to avoid new burrows from forming.
Iguana Control:
As iguanas have become a part of our lives here in North Bay Village, it does not mean you must live uncomfortably! Preventive measures can be implemented by Iguana removal companies to ease the stress of having iguanas around your property. When iguana control is properly implemented, your property can be beautiful again which means you don’t have to worry about property damages or the health risks. Humane Iguana Control is constantly innovating new methods to efficiently eliminate iguanas and prevent their return. The beauty of our region is one to preserve which is why we strive to protect our ecosystems, so it can be enjoyed for years to come. If you’re ready to live in an iguana-free environment, call the pros at Humane Iguana Control.
