Tavernier is a beautiful tropical island in Monroe County, in between Key Largo and Islamorada. Many locations, such as Harry Harris Park, are dealing with invasive iguanas, which have been causing various damages. Iguanas have been affecting many residents and tourist attractions negatively for many years. Iguanas have also negatively affected native wildlife by out-competing them for food resources. From property damages to health risks, iguanas have become a major nuisance for Tavernier.
Influx of Iguanas:
If you have ever driven or visited Tavernier in the Florida Keys, you have most likely seen iguanas. You can find these invasive reptiles on roofs, docks, sidewalks, and even crossing roads. As iguanas reproduce rapidly, this tropical location has seen an influx of them throughout the entire island. Being the largest island in the upper Florida Keys, many locals and businesses have become tired of the problems associated with iguanas. Iguanas have the tendency to dig holes to lay their eggs, which can damage structures. They also defecate in areas where people usually are very active, such as parks; this has become a health concern for many. Many establishments have turned to iguana control companies to apply iguana removal techniques to help control the infestation of these invasive reptiles.
Potential Damages Caused By Iguanas:
Many are not aware of the potential damages that iguanas create. In fact, many people think iguanas just eat grass and go about their day. This could not be further from the reality! Iguanas can cause damage to roofs, pools, roads, sidewalks, and structures. Iguanas dig holes to create burrows in order to lay their eggs. Iguanas create these burrows by excavating and removing soil from various areas around properties. This digging activity erodes, which leads to damage to structures. Seawalls are also affected because of iguanas digging burrows along the seawall. When it rains, these burrows wash out causing the burrows to widen and collapse. Roads may start to collapse under the weight of cars if iguanas are excavating holes beneath them. Iguana damage has prompted local officials to take action by contracting local Iguana removal companies to eradicate these invasive species in common areas.
Impact To Vacation Home Rentals:
Many waterfront homes in Tavernier serve as vacation rentals. However, the behaviors of iguanas have severely impacted many homeowners’ finances. One major complaint from renters is finding iguana poop in swimming pools and common areas such as docks. Property managers that are in charge of these rentals have grown tired of iguanas because of emergency calls regarding this specific event. Pool companies respond by removing the fecal matter and sanitizing the pool water to prevent health risks. Because iguanas are cold-blooded reptiles, they will sunbathe around pools, docks, and even boats. All these areas are commonly affected by iguana feces. Renters have also faced scary situations, such as finding iguanas inside of these rental properties. If doors and windows are left open, iguanas may enter the property. It’s important not to catch iguanas yourself to avoid bodily harm and a trip to the ER.
Are Iguanas Bad ?
Generally, iguanas are very docile and usually run off when approached. However, iguanas have a negative impact on the ecosystem. Iguanas feed off plants that our native wildlife feeds on. Iguanas can out-compete our native species for these food resources. Iguanas disrupt native animals like gopher tortoises by invading their burrows and destroying their eggs to lay their own. Such actions can cause the decline of the gopher tortoise population. Other native wildlife affected are tree snails, butterflies, and owls. The spread of disease is another problem that native wildlife faces, as iguanas can spread ticks and mites. Iguanas negatively impact not only our wildlife but also our economy. When iguanas damage common roads, sidewalks & structures, taxpayers’ money is used to pay for these costly repairs. Overall, iguanas can be terrible for Florida because of their destructive habits and potential to affect our ecosystems in many negative ways. By removing iguanas, it can help our native wildlife and save taxpayers money in the long run.
Preventive Measures:
To prevent damages to rental homes and personal property, there are measures you can take to avoid costly events. Cutting back bushes around your property can keep iguanas at bay, resulting in less iguanas on your property. Plants on your property can also be sprayed with iguana deterrents; these mixtures are made to deter iguanas by making plants taste bad to iguanas. If you’re planning on installing new plants around your home, there are plants you can install that iguanas do not eat. Plants such as agave, garlic, oleander, and crown of thorns are some plants that iguanas dislike to eat. This tactic helps to keep iguanas away since there are no food sources. During the breeding season, iguanas will dig holes around your home to lay their eggs, which can range between 20 and 70 at a time. It is crucial to inspect these holes in order to effectively remove iguana eggs and prevent new infestations. By following these steps, you can help prevent damage and infestations to your home or business. If there is a large infestation, it’s recommended to hire an iguana control expert to provide iguana removal services.
Iguana Removal Tavernier
As iguanas continue to cause damage and potential health risks, Humane Iguana Control works tirelessly to help locals control the infestation of iguanas. Removing iguanas is an ongoing process to effectively eradicate these invasive reptiles. Our team of iguana control experts can apply various resources to remove & deter iguanas, which will result in saving our customers money in the long run. With years of experience, Humane Iguana Control has studied iguana behaviors, which has given us the upper hand on controlling their population. Overall, our mission is to keep Tavernier and its residents safe from the potential damages and health risks that iguanas may pose. To learn more about our iguana control services, contact us.
