Iguanas are herbivores that wreak havoc on vegetable gardens and decorative plants. Additionally, burrows created by iguanas in backyards can tear up well-manicured lawns, creating eyesores and safety hazards.
Because they are an invasive species, they have few natural the wild leading to a population explosion in South Florida. This can be a problem for homeowners, as the pests are difficult to exclude from lawns due to their superior climbing and digging abilities.
Iguana Damage to the Yard
Iguanas in yards create additional issues when they bask atop patios, sidewalks, and seawalls. Not only do they require messy and dangerous clean-up, but the pests frequently get in the way. When an iguana in the backyard feels threatened by people, it may bite, scratch, or deliver powerful slashes with its muscular tail.
Beyond a nuisance, iguana dig burrows that damage your house and property. Burrows that dig under the foundations of permanent structures can lead to significant problems. Over time, these burrows increase erosion.
Health Risks from Iguanas in the Yard
When iguanas in backyards are caught eating flowers, shrubs, and other plants, homeowners will sometimes pick them up by hand for relocation. This is not recommended, as iguanas are carriers of Salmonella.
This infectious bacteria can be passed to humans by any contact with the animals or their droppings. Among the more severe symptoms of this illness are vomiting, fever, and debilitating diarrhea. After contact with iguanas or their fecal matter, homeowners should wash their hands thoroughly.
How We Get Rid of Iguanas in the Yard
Some can ignore iguanas in the backyard, but most cannot. They’re territorial critters who are unlikely to leave on their own. At Trutech, we use an integrated approach to iguana control that includes trapping, exclusions, and deterrents to keep iguanas out of your yard.
No permit is required for trapping, but your property is still vulnerable to other iguanas. We install slanted-out and buried exclusion fences to protect gardens, plants, and landscaping. Finally, we apply a smell repellent to keep iguanas away from your yard.