Frequently Asked Questions

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What types of invasive iguanas are in South Florida? 

There are three main invasive iguana species causing problems in South Florida:

• Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) - The most common, typically 4-6 feet long, bright green when young, turning brown, gray, or even orange as adults. They have long spines down their back, round scale behind jaw, prefer to stay near water.
• Black Spiny-Tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) - Gray to black with distinctive spiny rings on their tails. Typically 3-4 feet long, retreat to burrows when frightened.
• Northern Curly-Tailed Lizards (Leiocephalus carinatus) - Smaller lizards (8-12 inches) with a distinctive upward-curled tail, frequently seen on sidewalks and hard surfaces

How did these iguanas get to Florida?

Green and spiny-tailed iguanas arrived through the pet trade - either escaping or being released by owners who could no longer care for them. Some may have also arrived accidentally on cargo ships. Curly-tailed lizards were intentionally introduced in the 1940s to control sugar cane pests, but they've since spread throughout South Florida.

Are these iguanas protected?

No. These invasive species are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty laws. They can be humanely removed from private property year-round with landowner permission. However, captured iguanas cannot be relocated - they must be humanely euthanized or kept in captivity.

What kind of damage do iguanas cause?

Iguanas can damage your property in several ways:

• Landscaping destruction - They eat expensive plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables
• Structural damage - They dig burrows that can undermine sidewalks, foundations, seawalls, pool decks, and canal banks
• Unsanitary conditions - They leave droppings on pools, patios, docks, and outdoor furniture
• Roof damage - Their weight and claws can damage roof tiles and shingles
• Pool contamination - They frequently defecate in swimming pools

Why are iguanas dangerous?

While not typically aggressive, iguanas can pose risks:

• Painful bites - Their teeth are designed to shear plant material but can cause serious injury
• Sharp claws - They can cause severe scratches when cornered or caught
• Powerful tail whips - They can deliver painful slaps with their tails when defending themselves
• Disease transmission - They can carry salmonella and other pathogens
• Ecological damage - They compete with and prey on native Florida wildlife

What plants do iguanas eat?

Iguanas are primarily herbivores and will eat almost any vegetation except citrus. Common targets include hibiscus, orchids, roses, bougainvillea, bananas, figs, mangoes, tomatoes, and most vegetable gardens.

 Why shouldn't I try to remove iguanas myself?

DIY iguana removal is dangerous and often ineffective:

• Iguanas can bite, scratch, and whip their tails when cornered
• They're fast, agile, and difficult to catch without proper equipment
• Green iguanas will dive into water to escape, making capture nearly impossible
• Improper handling can injure both you and the animal
• You may not capture all the iguanas, allowing the problem to continue

What makes professional removal better?

Professional iguana removal services offer:

• Safety - Trained technicians with proper protective equipment and capture tools
• Effectiveness - Experience in locating nests, burrows, and hiding spots
• Complete removal - Systematic approach to remove entire populations, not just visible individuals
• Humane methods - Proper handling and euthanasia techniques that comply with anti-cruelty laws
• Prevention advice - Recommendations to make your property less attractive to iguanas

How quickly can you respond?

We're available 24/7 for emergency iguana removal. Whether you have one iguana on your roof or a colony in your yard, we can typically respond the same day.

How can I prevent iguanas from returning?

After removal, we can help you implement prevention strategies:

• Remove food sources by protecting vegetable gardens and fruit trees
• Eliminate hiding spots like rock piles and dense vegetation
• Fill in burrows and install barriers around vulnerable structures
• Use motion-activated sprinklers or other deterrents
• Trim tree branches away from roofs and buildings
• Cover pool areas when not in use

Will more iguanas just come back?

Without addressing what attracts iguanas to your property, new ones may move in. However, with proper prevention measures and regular monitoring, you can keep your property iguana-free.

How do I schedule iguana removal?

Contact us for a free property assessment. We'll evaluate your iguana problem, identify the species, locate nesting sites and burrows, and provide you with a removal plan and quote.

Do you service my area?

We provide professional iguana removal services throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, and Collier Counties.

Is the removal process humane?

Yes. We follow all Florida anti-cruelty laws and use humane capture and euthanasia methods recommended by wildlife professionals. Our goal is to solve your iguana problem while treating animals ethically.

Don't let invasive iguanas destroy your property. Contact us today for fast, professional, and humane iguana removal services.