Iguana Invasion: How to Keep Iguanas Out of Your Yard and Garden

Iguanas, while fascinating creatures, can quickly become unwelcome guests when they decide your yard and garden are their personal buffet. These reptiles, native to tropical regions, have expanded their territory and are now common sights in many parts of the United States, particularly Florida. If you’re tired of finding your prized plants nibbled on and your property overrun, this comprehensive guide will provide you with effective strategies to deter iguanas and reclaim your outdoor space.

Understanding the Iguana Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why iguanas are attracted to your property in the first place. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and make your efforts more successful.

* **Food Source:** Iguanas are primarily herbivores, and your garden is essentially an all-you-can-eat salad bar for them. They have a particular fondness for flowering plants, fruits, vegetables, and even certain types of leaves.
* **Shelter:** Iguanas seek shelter from predators and extreme weather conditions. They often find refuge in dense vegetation, rock piles, under decks, and in burrows they dig themselves.
* **Sunbathing Spots:** Being cold-blooded reptiles, iguanas need to bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. They’ll often choose sunny spots on rocks, fences, or rooftops.
* **Water Source:** Iguanas need access to water for drinking and sometimes for cooling off. Ponds, bird baths, and even standing water in containers can attract them.
* **Breeding Sites:** During the breeding season, female iguanas look for suitable places to lay their eggs. This might include sandy areas, compost piles, or burrows in the ground.

Effective Strategies to Keep Iguanas Away

Now that you understand what attracts iguanas, let’s explore various methods you can use to deter them. A multi-pronged approach is often the most effective, combining several techniques to make your property less appealing.

1. Eliminate Food Sources

This is perhaps the most important step in iguana control. By removing their favorite food sources, you significantly reduce the likelihood of them sticking around.

* **Choose Iguana-Resistant Plants:** Replace susceptible plants with species that iguanas tend to avoid. Some examples include:
* **Ornamental Plants:** Crotons, bromeliads, milkweed, bougainvillea (thorny varieties), citrus trees (mature), oleander, sea grapes, and pentas.
* **Vegetables & Herbs:** Herbs like rosemary, mint, and ginger are often avoided. Thorny or prickly vegetables can also deter them.
* **Native Plants:** Consult with your local nursery or extension office to find native plants that are resistant to iguanas in your region.
* **Protect Vulnerable Plants:** If you can’t bear to part with your favorite susceptible plants, take steps to protect them:
* **Netting:** Cover plants with fine mesh netting to prevent iguanas from reaching the leaves and fruits. Make sure the netting is securely fastened to the ground to prevent them from crawling underneath.
* **Cages:** Construct cages around individual plants or small groups of plants using wire mesh or hardware cloth. Ensure the mesh is strong enough to withstand iguana attempts to climb or push through it.
* **Row Covers:** Use lightweight row covers to protect vegetable gardens from iguana damage. These covers allow sunlight and water to penetrate while keeping pests out.
* **Harvest Fruits and Vegetables Promptly:** Don’t leave ripe fruits and vegetables on plants for extended periods. Harvest them as soon as they’re ready to prevent iguanas from being attracted to the easy meal.
* **Pick Up Fallen Fruits and Vegetables:** Regularly remove any fallen fruits, vegetables, or leaves from your yard. This eliminates a readily available food source for iguanas.
* **Secure Compost Piles:** Compost piles can attract iguanas with their decaying organic matter. Use a compost bin with a secure lid to prevent access. Turn the compost regularly to speed up decomposition and reduce its appeal.
* **Elevate Bird Feeders:** If you have bird feeders, elevate them out of reach of iguanas. Clean up any spilled birdseed regularly to prevent it from attracting them.

2. Remove Shelter and Basking Sites

Making your property less hospitable by eliminating potential shelter and basking spots can also discourage iguanas.

* **Trim Vegetation:** Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed to reduce hiding places. Remove dense ground cover that iguanas might use for shelter.
* **Fill Holes and Burrows:** Iguanas often dig burrows in the ground for shelter and egg-laying. Fill any existing burrows with rocks, soil, or expanding foam. Monitor the area for new burrowing activity and fill them promptly.
* **Remove Rock Piles:** If you have rock piles or stacked wood, consider removing them or relocating them away from your garden. These provide excellent shelter for iguanas.
* **Elevate Decks and Sheds:** Ensure that there is no access under decks, sheds, or other structures. Block any openings with wire mesh or solid barriers.
* **Prune Tree Branches:** Prune tree branches that overhang your roof or fence. This prevents iguanas from using them as a bridge to access your property.
* **Reduce Standing Water:** Eliminate sources of standing water, such as leaky faucets, clogged gutters, and overflowing bird baths. This reduces the attractiveness of your property to iguanas.

3. Use Iguana Repellents

While not always a foolproof solution, repellents can be a valuable tool in your iguana control arsenal. They work by deterring iguanas through unpleasant smells, tastes, or textures.

* **Commercial Iguana Repellents:** Several commercial iguana repellents are available on the market. Look for products that contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers). Follow the product instructions carefully and reapply as needed, especially after rain.
* **Homemade Repellents:** You can also create your own iguana repellents using readily available ingredients:
* **Garlic Spray:** Mix minced garlic with water and spray it around your plants. The strong smell of garlic is often offensive to iguanas.
* **Pepper Spray:** Mix cayenne pepper or hot sauce with water and spray it on plants. Be careful not to get this mixture in your eyes or on your skin.
* **Citrus Peels:** Place citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit) around your garden. The citrus smell is often disliked by iguanas.
* **Vinegar:** Spray diluted vinegar around your plants. Be careful not to spray vinegar directly on plants, as it can damage them.
* **Motion-Activated Sprinklers:** These devices spray a burst of water when they detect movement, startling iguanas and discouraging them from entering your yard. Place them strategically around vulnerable areas of your garden.
* **Shiny Objects:** Hang shiny objects, such as aluminum foil strips or old CDs, around your garden. The reflected light and movement can startle iguanas.

4. Physical Removal (Trapping and Capture)

In some cases, more direct intervention may be necessary to remove iguanas from your property. This might involve trapping or capturing them.

* **Live Trapping:** You can purchase or build live traps to capture iguanas. Bait the traps with their favorite foods, such as fruits or vegetables. Check the traps regularly and relocate any captured iguanas to a suitable location away from your property. Note: check local and state laws regarding the relocation of non-native species. In many areas, it is illegal to relocate iguanas.
* **Hand Capture:** If you’re quick and agile, you might be able to capture iguanas by hand. Approach them slowly and quietly, and then grab them firmly behind the head. Wear gloves to protect yourself from bites and scratches. This method is best suited for smaller iguanas.
* **Professional Removal Services:** If you’re uncomfortable trapping or capturing iguanas yourself, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove iguanas from your property. They are also aware of local laws and regulations regarding iguana removal.

5. Create Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can be an effective way to prevent iguanas from accessing certain areas of your yard or garden.

* **Fencing:** Install a fence around your property or garden to keep iguanas out. The fence should be at least 4 feet high and made of sturdy material that iguanas can’t climb, such as wire mesh or solid wood. Bury the bottom of the fence at least 6 inches deep to prevent iguanas from digging underneath.
* **Iguana Walls:** For specific plants or areas, consider building low walls made of stone, concrete, or other materials. These walls should be at least 2 feet high to deter iguanas from climbing over them.
* **Screening:** Use screening to enclose patios, balconies, or other outdoor spaces. This can prevent iguanas from entering these areas and causing damage.

6. Utilize Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sound waves that are supposed to be unpleasant to iguanas. While some people have reported success with these devices, their effectiveness is still debated. It is important to note that their efficacy is not scientifically proven, and they may not work for all iguanas.

7. Prevention is Key: Monitoring and Maintenance

Keeping iguanas away is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to prevent them from returning.

* **Regular Inspections:** Regularly inspect your property for signs of iguana activity, such as droppings, damage to plants, or burrows. Address any problems promptly to prevent them from escalating.
* **Maintain Your Yard:** Keep your yard clean and well-maintained. Remove debris, trim vegetation, and fill holes regularly.
* **Adjust Your Strategies:** Be prepared to adjust your iguana control strategies as needed. If one method isn’t working, try another. A combination of approaches is often the most effective.
* **Community Involvement:** Talk to your neighbors about iguana control. If everyone in the neighborhood works together, it will be more effective in reducing the iguana population.

Important Considerations

* **Local Laws and Regulations:** Before taking any action to remove or control iguanas, check your local and state laws and regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on what you can do.
* **Humane Treatment:** Always treat iguanas humanely. Avoid using methods that could cause them unnecessary pain or suffering.
* **Professional Advice:** If you’re having trouble controlling iguanas on your own, consult with a professional wildlife removal service or your local extension office. They can provide expert advice and assistance.

The Legalities of Iguana Removal

Before you embark on your iguana eviction project, it’s vital to understand the legal landscape surrounding these reptiles. Regulations can vary significantly depending on your location, so doing your homework is crucial.

* **Protected Species Status:** While iguanas are considered an invasive species in many areas, they may have some level of protection under local or state laws. This could restrict the methods you can use to remove them. In Florida, for example, while landowners are generally permitted to remove iguanas from their property, certain methods, such as trapping and relocation, may require permits.
* **Relocation Restrictions:** Even if you’re allowed to trap iguanas, relocating them might be prohibited. The goal is often to prevent the further spread of these invasive creatures, so releasing them into a different area could be illegal.
* **Humane Treatment Laws:** Regardless of an iguana’s invasive status, animal cruelty laws still apply. You must avoid using methods that would cause unnecessary suffering or pain. For instance, using poisons or inhumane traps is generally prohibited.
* **Consult with Authorities:** To ensure you’re operating within the bounds of the law, contact your local animal control agency, wildlife management department, or environmental protection agency. They can provide you with specific information about iguana regulations in your area.
* **Permitting Requirements:** Some methods of iguana removal, such as large-scale trapping or the use of certain pesticides, may require permits. Check with the relevant authorities to determine if you need any permits before proceeding.

Debunking Common Iguana Myths

There are several misconceptions circulating about iguanas. Separating fact from fiction will help you make informed decisions about iguana control.

* **Myth: Iguanas are poisonous.** This is false. Iguanas are not poisonous. However, their bite can be painful and may cause infection if not properly treated.
* **Myth: Iguanas can be easily domesticated.** While some people keep iguanas as pets, they are not easily domesticated. They require specialized care and can be aggressive if not handled properly.
* **Myth: Iguanas only eat plants.** While primarily herbivorous, iguanas have been known to eat insects and small animals on occasion. This is especially true for young iguanas.
* **Myth: Iguanas die in the cold.** While iguanas are cold-blooded and susceptible to cold weather, they can survive short periods of freezing temperatures. They often seek shelter in burrows or other protected areas.
* **Myth: All iguanas are green.** Green iguanas are the most common, but they can also be brown, gray, or even reddish in color. Their coloration can vary depending on their age, diet, and environment.

Long-Term Solutions: Adapting to Iguana Presence

Eradicating iguanas completely may not be realistic, especially in areas where they are well-established. The key is to adapt and implement long-term strategies to minimize their impact on your property.

* **Embrace Native Landscaping:** Replace your lawn with native plants that are less appealing to iguanas. Native plants are also better adapted to your local climate and require less maintenance.
* **Create a Wildlife-Friendly Habitat:** Encourage beneficial wildlife, such as birds and snakes, that may prey on young iguanas. This can help control the iguana population naturally.
* **Community-Wide Efforts:** Work with your neighbors to implement iguana control strategies throughout your community. A coordinated effort is more likely to be successful than individual attempts.
* **Educate Yourself and Others:** Stay informed about the latest research and best practices for iguana control. Share your knowledge with others to raise awareness and promote responsible management.
* **Acceptance (to a degree):** While it’s understandable to want to eliminate iguanas entirely, sometimes a degree of acceptance is necessary. Focus on protecting your most valuable plants and creating a landscape that is less attractive to iguanas, rather than waging a constant war.

By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the impact of iguanas on your yard and garden and enjoy your outdoor space once again.