There’s a giant lizard species that has invaded Florida. You’re probably well aware of these pesky critters if you live in South Florida. 

These large reptiles, otherwise known as Iguanas, thrive in the sunshine state. The warm, year-round weather and numerous plants and fruits make South Florida the perfect iguana habitat. 

The issue with this invasive species is they act as if they run the place. They run around the streets, destroy gardens, poop in swimming pools, and even short out power lines. 

Unbeknownst to most people, certain factors can attract iguanas to their homes. Once they’ve claimed your backyard as their territory, they can do some severe damage. Thus, today we’re going to be over the three most common practices to deter iguanas from your home.  

Look Out for Burrows

Iguanas are well known for creating substantial burrows that can span across entire yards, canal banks, and seawalls. Consequently, iguanas have destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of underground piping systems. In fact, one Miami club had to pay more than $40,000 in plumbing repairs due to damaged caused by iguanas.

As a homeowner, you should regularly look for burrows in your yard. Some homeowners choose to fill the holes with rocks or concrete. However, this isn’t necessary. Instead, take a shovel and cover the openings with dirt. 

If you notice anything strange with your home’s foundation, be sure to address the issue immediately. Otherwise, you risk thousands of dollars in repair bills. 

Maintain Your Yard and Garden

When it comes to iguanas, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. Iguanas can quickly overtake a yard in a matter of weeks, and it can be hard to get rid of them. 

First of all, never leave old food lying around your home and never feed the iguanas. Even dog or cat kibble can be a source of food for iguanas. 

In addition, be sure to keep your yard nice and tidy. Large trees with many branches and unkempt bushes make ideal conditions for iguanas to thrive. By keeping your yard up, you’ll give them fewer places to climb and hide. 

If you have a garden, it may be a good idea to put fencing around it. Iguanas love fruits such as watermelon and bananas. They’ll even eat watermelon rinds and banana peels. 

However, iguanas especially love plants such as hibiscus, orchids, chenille, Croton, and Mexican Petunia. Therefore, it may be best to avoid growing these plants altogether. 

Hire a Professional 

A lot of homeowners struggle to rid iguanas no matter what they do. If this applies to you, it may be a good idea to hire a professional iguana removal company. 

Iguana home removal companies specialize in iguana removal and know all the tricks to get rid of them once and for all. They’ll likely install fencing, fill holes, and attach metal sheets to your trees to prevent them from climbing them. They’ll also catch any iguanas on your property during this process.

Another common option is hiring a professional to kill the iguanas. Although there are laws regarding killing iguanas, it is perfectly legal to kill them if you follow regulations. 

Don’t Make Your Yard an Iguana Habitat

You can do several things to deter iguanas from ravaging your yard. Some of the best tips include closing burrows and maintaining your yard and garden. The last thing you want to do is turn your yard into an iguana habitat. 

Despite extensive efforts, many homeowners struggle to get rid of iguanas. Therefore, your best option is to hire professionals to handle the job. 

Here at Iguana Removal 365, we are committed to helping you manage the iguanas on your property. With years of experience all over Florida, Iguana 365 can handle even the toughest of jobs. Be sure to contact us today to get a free quote!