Iguana Control
They’re big, green, and look like dinosaurs, and if you stood one up on its hind legs, you’d have a miniature version of Godzilla. Give up? We’re talking about iguanas; Green iguanas, in particular. They can also be brown and even close to black, and some adults can take on a pinkish or orange-tinted hue. They’re native to Mexico, Central and South America, and a few islands in the Caribbean. They have been deemed an invasive species in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Florida. Average specimens can grow up to five feet, and some that were found up to six and a half feet from head to tail have been found.
These large lizards made their way to South Florida due to their popularity as pets and ability to thrive in the humid southern climate. While they can make cool pets, pet owners who found themselves over their heads released them into the local environment, causing a population explosion. If these large lizards have invaded your property, it can seem hopeless. They are known for tearing up yards and gardens in search of food. Their diet is made up almost exclusively of plants, with an insect or bird egg thrown in here and there for good measure.
Iguanas are cold-blooded, just like snakes and alligators. This means that their blood heats and cools according to the temperature of the weather outside, and Floridians have had to learn a very important lesson, potentially the hard way: watch for falling lizards! When the weather cools off and drops to a certain point, approximately 40⁰ Fahrenheit – they freeze right there on the branches, lose their grip, and fall right out of the tree.
This isn’t the only danger they present. When threatened, iguanas have been known to bite, causing damage with strong jaws and incredibly sharp teeth. They are also known carriers of several diseases such as campylobacteriosis, salmonella, trichinellosis, and botulism. Their most dangerous weapon, however, is a long, heavy tail that can be whipped hard enough to deliver enough force to break someone’s arm. However, they wouldn’t be very good criminals because their tails can break off as a part of an escape plan, leaving their best weapon at the scene of the crime.
Green iguanas have thrived ever since their introduction to Florida, especially in the south. Their populations have grown to the point that they are no longer allowed to be purchased as pets. These massive pests can cause damage in unusual and very expensive ways. From punctured seawalls to torn-up sidewalks and destroyed yards, this isn’t even the worst of it. They have been known to crawl under houses and get into the plumbing, and on occasion, terrified homeowners have entered their bathroom to find what looks like a baby dragon thrashing around in their toilet.
If your property is looking like Jurassic Park, it’s time to call for some help. If you live in Broward County and have problems with wildlife or bugs, All Nix Services is who you want to bat for you against your problem pests. For the best service South Florida has to offer,
contact us today for a free estimate.