Iguanas are an invasive species in South Florida. They have atrophied venom glands that they use to inject their victims when they bite, but it is mild and practically harmless. Bites are fairly uncommon, which is why you will see reptile collectors keep them as pets. They also give clear warning signs before they strike, such as showing their dewlap, which is the skin flap underneath their chin, and trying to make their bodies appear larger.
Still, most people don’t want these creatures on their property, and parents don’t like to think about their children’s faces, fingers, or ankles getting bitten by an iguana. South Florida Iguana Removal says that repellents don’t work, often to the frustration of the property owner or homeowner. They recommend hiring a professional iguana removal service to effectively rid your property of them without wasting money on unproven techniques.
Not Aggressive But Still Dangerous
Iguanas are not vicious creatures that are likely to attack humans. Most of the time, they skitter away when they see people. However, they can damage sidewalks and seawalls and dig long tunnels through concrete. The resulting property damage can impact the stability of a home or structure’s foundation, making them more prone to collapse. Their tunnels can erode sidewalks, berms, and canals.
Iguanas Transmit Dangerous Bacteria
Not only are iguanas capable of causing damage to infrastructure through their burrowing, but they can also transmit Salmonella to humans who have come in contact with a contaminated surface or water. Iguana feces on porches, pool decks, docks, or even in a swimming pool can put people at risk of a bacterial infection and uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, chills, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and severe stomach cramps.
What does iguana trapping entail?
A professional service can reduce the existing population of green iguanas on your property, which can help you reclaim your property’s landscape and prevent structural damage. Traps are very effective at capturing iguanas that are already on your property. Once they have been trapped and removed from the property, you can apply prevention techniques so they don’t come back.Â
Total topography protection includes surveying your property to search for holes where iguanas are laying their eggs and monitoring methods to discover the extent of distribution of iguanas on your property. Metal live cage iguana traps are placed where they are most likely to attract iguanas and are designed to catch between 20 and 25.
Because Florida law prohibits the relocation, transfer, or sale of iguanas, and they can be very difficult to catch without experience, this is a job best left to a professional. Monitoring services include a professional iguana service visit on your property periodically to study the terrain and see if they find new burrows and holes where iguanas could be laying eggs.Â
Unfortunately, repellents and most do-it-yourself remedies do not work. You can find advice online that tells you to place windchimes or shiny objects outside, but all that’s going to do is make your backyard louder and full of flickering reflections that can be irritating when you’re trying to enjoy yourself outside. The only way to ensure that your property will be free of pesky iguanas is to use a trusted company with safe, effective, and humane removal and prevention techniques.