Protecting Landscapes From Destructive Iguanas

Florida’s subtropical climate and lush landscapes make it a highly appealing region for both residents and tourists. However, these natural bounties also create ripe conditions for the proliferation of invasive species, including the green iguana. The population explosion of this non-native reptile continues to inflict significant damage to the region’s environment, economy, and properties. 

Iguana invasion has been wreaking havoc on residential gardens, business properties, tourist resorts, and government facilities. There is a dire need for commercial iguana removal to protect the state’s precious landscapes. 

Florida’s History of Iguana Invasion

The green iguana species is native to South and Central America. The exotic pet trade in the 1960s led to the introduction of this non-native reptile into Florida. Over time, iguanas that escaped or were intentionally released found the tropical climes of South Florida to be the perfect breeding ground. Their population rapidly multiplied, owing to abundant vegetation and few natural predators in the region. 

At present, the population density of iguanas is particularly high in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward counties, apart from their growing numbers in the Gulf Coast and even Central Florida. 

Why are Iguanas Destructive to Landscapes?

Vegetation Destruction

Iguanas are primarily a herbivore species. Its diet includes vegetation, such as bougainvillea, hibiscus, orchids, turf grasses, tomatoes, and various other vegetables. In commercial parks, golf courses, hotel and resort gardens, and other landscapes, where flora holds great aesthetic appeal, iguana invasion causes widespread destruction very fast. Once ornamental plants are damaged, it is hard to replace them due to high costs. 

Erosion and Burrowing 

The burrowing activity of iguanas is even more damaging than their eating behavior. Iguanas will dig large networks of tunnels for nesting. These burrows can destabilize the foundations of buildings, undermine seawalls, sidewalks, and canal banks, create soil erosion, and cause flooding due to interference with drainage systems. For commercial landscapes located near water in South Florida, the structural damage can be particularly severe. 

Health and Sanitation Risks

Iguana droppings are a serious issue in South Florida. Salmonella in iguana feces creates a health hazard for residents and tourists alike. Pets and children are more vulnerable to these risks. Unsanitary environmental conditions resulting from iguana droppings may violate public health codes, which generates adverse publicity for local businesses. 

Public Safety Concerns

Iguanas in South Florida are not aggressive by nature, but during mating season, they may become territorial. Male iguanas may charge at humans or whip their tails in threatening behavior. Iguana attacks are relatively rare, but the presence of these fairly large reptiles can scare guests, customers, and residents. 

Why DIY Solutions are Ineffective 

Consumer-Grade Traps Don’t Work 

Over-the-counter traps usually fail to work against adult iguanas, particularly in locations where numerous nests are found. Iguanas are intelligent animals. They are wary of anything unfamiliar once they sense danger. 

Legal and Ethical Issues 

Killing iguanas using humane methods is permitted under Florida law when a property owner kills them on their property. However, poisoning and any other methods that are not in compliance with animal cruelty laws are prohibited. Both businesses and residents are generally ill-equipped to legally and safely counter a large-scale infestation. 

The Rebound Effect

Even when a business owner manages to remove a few iguanas successfully, the cleared area gets quickly repopulated by the neighboring populations. Therefore, strategic and professional iguana removal for businesses becomes critical. 

How Professional Iguana Removal is Undertaken

A commercial iguana removal company with thorough biological knowledge and professional equipment can achieve sustainable results while staying compliant with the local regulations. 

Step 1: Site Assessment and Environmental Survey

An iguana removal specialist team will begin with a survey of the landscape, which includes: 

• Identification of iguana nesting sites
• Mapping tunnel networks, movement corridors, and feeding spots
• Accounting for structural risks and vulnerable vegetation

Based on this assessment, the experts will develop a plan for iguana removal and prevention. The plan will be adapted to the specific property, such as an apartment complex, marina, corporate campus, or tourist resort. 

Step 2: Safe and Effective Iguana Trapping

A licensed and experienced iguana control company will place advanced, humane traps in targeted locations. These traps may include: 

• Funnel traps
• Cage traps along with bait
• Live snares to attract large iguanas

The team will follow the legal guidelines for regular monitoring of the traps to ensure humane treatment of iguanas. 

Step 3: Nest Removal to Suppress Population 

A skilled and knowledgeable iguana control service provider will focus on the removal of iguana nests to deliver a long-term solution. This may involve: 

• Excavation of burrows
• Egg removal and euthanasia (under license)
• Securing former burrows with mesh netting or filling them with concrete to prevent reuse

Nesting control is important, considering the fact that a female iguana can lay as many as 70 eggs in a year. 

Step 4: Habitat Exclusion and Modification 

Prevention is central to the goals of commercial iguana removal. Here are the key steps to achieve this: 

• Vegetation control, such as replacing plants favored by iguanas with less palatable species 
• Installation of barriers, such as low-voltage electric strips, motion sensor water sprayers, and fences. 
• Fortifying structures, such as filling eroded areas, strengthening sea walls, and sealing the gaps underneath walkways and patios. 

Chances of reinfestation can be substantially reduced when these integrated pest management strategies are properly implemented. 

Step 5: Compliance, Documentation, and Reporting

Professional iguana control services for business will generally provide:

• Clear documentation outlining liability protection 
• Compliance with environmental laws and local codes
• Acquiring permits through coordination with wildlife officials as needed

Large businesses, municipalities, property managers, and HOAs can benefit from working with commercial iguana control companies that offer this level of professionalism. 

Who Needs Professional Landscape Protection from Destructive Iguanas?

Hotels and Resorts 

Hotels and resorts may have landscaped walkways, outdoor pools, and waterfront views, which are common habitats for iguanas in Florida. 

Country Clubs and Golf Courses

Golf courses and country clubs usually have a vast, open terrain, a variety of flora, and water bodies that attract green iguanas and create distractions for patrons. 

Condo Complexes and HOAs

Regular maintenance is vital for multi-family properties. Iguana infestation can damage underground utilities, rooftops, and common areas, leading to costly repairs. 

Government and Educational Facilities

Universities and public facilities, such as parks, gardens, and courthouses typically have extensive green spaces. Iguanas pose a challenge for both visitors and aesthetics. 

Commercial and Retail Properties

Commercial properties, such as shopping centers, marina-front retail stores, and outdoor dining patios may find it hard to retain customers due to iguana infestation.

Homes with Iguana Infestation

Homeowners may need professional iguana removal to prevent damage. Left unchecked, iguanas can undermine foundations, chew the wiring, and pose health risks.

Businesses Need to Act 

Delaying Action Will Increase Costs 

• The longer the breeding of iguanas goes on, the harder it gets to control.
• Burrowing-related property damage costs can sometimes exceed six figures. 
• Pest-related commercial damage is usually not covered by insurance. 

Reputational and Legal Risks

Failure to tackle iguana infestation in a commercial property may lead to: 

• Civil lawsuits from injured parties 
• Negative publicity and critical online reviews
• Public health citations 

Several invasive species in Florida have created unique challenges for the region’s delicate ecological balance. Businesses and institutions that invest in commercial iguana removal can contribute to the state’s conservation objectives while protecting their bottom line. 

How to Select an Iguana Removal Company

If you are looking for a company providing professional iguana removal for businesses and homes, consider the following attributes:

• Licensed and insured staff with training in wildlife management 
• Experience handling commercial iguana removal projects
• Using FWC-approved and humane methods of removal 
• Equipped with non-toxic and environment-friendly solutions 
• Transparent pricing, service contract, and reporting 

A dedicated commercial iguana control company may offer an ongoing maintenance plan to ensure that your landscapes are protected throughout the year. 

Landscape Protection is Vital for Your Property

Iguanas present a growing challenge with damaging consequences for the economy, infrastructure, and environment. As an individual, you may be able to achieve limited results regarding iguana control on your own. But when it comes to comprehensive and long-term protection of landscapes, you need strategic and professional iguana removal for businesses and homes. 

Gated residential communities, office parks, resorts, and other commercial properties, as well as homes with serious iguana infestations, should be ready to invest in professional iguana control. A dedicated company with recognized expertise in commercial iguana removal can help you secure your property, uphold aesthetic appeal, and bolster the safety of residents, guests, and visitors. 

Dedicated Service Providers for Iguana Removal Can Help You

If your property is facing challenges due to iguana infestation, it is prudent to hire the services of an experienced company for iguana removal and prevention. For all types of properties, ranging from large commercial properties to residential communities and waterfront estates, a skilled service provider can offer effective and humane solutions for commercial iguana removal. 

Trained and experienced iguana removal specialists can adapt their techniques and approach according to the requirements of your landscape, the level of infestation, and your personal objectives.