As I stepped outside, I saw many iguanas in my yard. These reptiles were ruining my garden and annoying me. I decided to find the best ways to keep them away.
Iguanas are spreading fast in Florida, harming native plants and damaging homes and gardens. As a homeowner, I knew I had to act to stop them. I started my quest to take back my yard from iguanas.
Key Takeaways
- Iguanas are attracted to properties with abundant food sources and hiding spots.
- Protecting plants with mesh and wiring can help manage iguana problems.
- Citrus fruit trees can deter iguanas, despite their diverse food preferences.
- Securing trash lids is essential to prevent iguanas from scavenging for food.
- Well-maintained yards with fewer hiding spots are less inviting to iguanas.
Understanding the Iguana Invasion in Florida
Since the 1960s, the wild green iguana population in Florida has grown fast. Now, over 5,000 of these iguanas are seen every year. They came from the pet trade, either released or escaped.
Rapid Population Growth of Green Iguanas
Green iguanas are now an invasive species in Florida. They harm native plants by eating and destroying them. These big lizards can be up to six feet long and weigh up to 17 pounds.
Female iguanas can lay up to 76 eggs at once. This makes their breeding a big worry. They can live up to 20 years, which helps their numbers grow fast.
This has made them a big problem for people and businesses in Florida.
Ecological Threats and Property Damage
Green iguanas disrupt the natural balance in Florida. They eat important plants like orchids and flowers. Their digging and nesting can also harm buildings and other structures.
These iguanas can bite and scratch, causing pain and spreading salmonella. Their growing numbers are a big issue for Floridians. This leads to the need for more control to lessen their impact on the environment and economy.
“Green iguanas can create damage by eating valuable landscape plants, shrubs, and trees, as well as orchids and various flowers, but they do not consume citrus.”
Effective Strategies to Deter Iguanas
More and more homeowners in Florida are dealing with iguanas on their property. It’s important to know how to keep these reptiles away. By removing food, changing your yard, and keeping up with maintenance, you can make your place less inviting to iguanas.
Eliminate Food Sources Attracting Iguanas
Iguanas come to homes because they find food easily. They eat fallen fruit, pet food, and trash. To keep them away, clean up any fruit, berries, or other food from your yard. Make sure pet food and trash are in containers they can’t get into, and clean up spills right away.
Modify Your Landscape and Yard Maintenance
Iguanas like places with lots of hiding spots and things to climb on. Changing your yard can make it less welcoming for them. Cut back trees and bushes, fill in holes, and use plants like spinach, carrots, beets, brussel sprouts, Swiss chard, broccoli, and turnips that iguanas don’t like. Putting mesh around tree trunks can also keep them out.
Being consistent is important in keeping iguanas away. Regular yard work, removing food, and changing your landscape can really help. By acting early, you can protect your home and garden from iguana damage.