Iguanas as Garden Pests

As a result of the exotic pet trade, iguanas have made their home in South Florida. In this subtropical climate they are causing problems in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) naturally range from central Mexico south to Paraguay and Brazil in South America, as well as some Caribbean islands. They were first documented in South Florida in 1964. Green iguanas have long been popular pet reptiles; when small they’re relatively easy to care for. But as they grow, they become more challenging to keep, and unfortunately many are released into the wild, contributing to a growing problem.

What’s Wrong with Iguanas?

Why don’t we welcome these exotic visitors? Iguanas can damage landscape plants, hardscapes and even permanent structures. These lizards also leave a mess behind. They leave feces scattered in areas where they bask. Not only an unpleasant sight and smell, the feces may also be a source of salmonella bacteria.

While they typically ignore humans, adult iguanas may bite, scratch or slap with their tail if they feel threatened.

Luckily, homeowners hoping to discourage their visits have options.

Iguana-proof Your Landscape

Young, bright green iguana lizard. — As juveniles iguanas are bright green, but typically darken as they age. Photo: Steve A. Johnson, UF/IFAS.

Iguanas spend their time in open areas and landscape brush, as well as on sidewalks, docks and seawalls.

To prevent iguanas from climbing, install sheet metal around trees and dock pilings. To discourage basking iguanas, create a displeasing atmosphere — spray them with a hose or make loud noises to drive them from your property. Some gardeners have found that hanging wind chimes can discourage loitering lizards.

You can choose to simply ignore these exotic creatures, but you should never feed iguanas. Doing so will attract more and support a nuisance population.

Protect Your Plants

Iguanas cause harm to the landscape by eating plant foliage; the ones you find grazing on landscape plants are likely adults. Juvenile iguanas tend to eat small animals like lizards, insects and birds.

To prevent iguanas from eating vegetation, gardeners can modify their gardens. Guard valuable plants with cages or screened enclosures. Grow species that iguanas dislike, especially tough, thick-leaved plants. Other repellant plant species include milkweed, citrus and oleander. Avoid planting species that attract iguanas. Greens, squashes, melons, hibiscus, roses and pink pentas are among the plants most attractive to iguanas.

Discourage Burrowing

Burrowing iguanas present another set of problems. They dig burrows under the foundations of permanent structures. Over time these burrows increase erosion, making the foundation and structure above unstable.

Create an L-shaped barrier with wire to stop iguanas from digging underneath plants and structures. You can also pack empty burrows with concrete or sand. Do this during the day when animals are not inside. Another option is to provide alternative nesting sites. Piles of mulch or sand near sea walls are good nesting options.

Capture and Removal Guidelines

Iguana lizard in pet carrier — Rebekah Nelson, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bugwood.org

Iguanas are considered invasive, unprotected wildlife. As such, they can be captured and removed from private property without a permit. Iguanas may be caught by hand, noose pole, net or traps. Live traps and snares are the only traps legal in Florida, and should be used only as a last resort. In the winter, cold-stunned iguanas fall to the ground as temperatures drop. Collecting them can be as easy as picking them up off of the ground.

Since it is illegal to release invasive species in Florida, captured iguanas must remain in captivity. Unfortunately, wild adult iguanas are dangerous and hard to keep as pets. Few live donation options are available to homeowners because there are too many iguanas being captured. Consequently, wildlife rehabilitators don’t have the resources to care for them.

If iguanas cannot be sold, donated or kept in a secure place they should be humanely euthanized. Though invasive, iguanas are protected by anticruelty laws. Homeowners should seek the help of pest management professionals to ensure that the euthanasia process is carried out legally and ethically. Acceptable methods may be found in the UF/IFAS publication “Dealing with Iguanas in the South Florida Landscape.”

And finally, if you observe a green iguana, especially outside the area of coastal South Florida, take a digital image of it and report your observation at IveGot1.org or through the free IveGot1 Smartphone app.

Whatever your wildlife pest questions, UF/IFAS is here to help. Contact agents and volunteers at your county Extension office.