While cockroaches and mosquitoes are common pests in South Florida, another unwanted guest, the iguana, has been causing problems for homeowners. One Miami woman recently had to send an eviction notice to a large female green iguana that had made its way into her house. The homeowner was able to scare the iguana away when it hid under her couch and then made its way to the kitchen, where it found a gap under a cabinet to hide. This prompted the homeowner to call Humane Iguana Control for help in removing the invasive reptile.
Mating season for iguanas in South Florida occurs from February to March, during which female iguanas often burrow in inconvenient places like pools and homes to lay their eggs. Green iguanas can cause structural damage to private property if not safely removed, as stated by Humane Iguana Control. In this particular case, the experts had to use technology, such as an endoscopy camera, to pinpoint the exact location of the iguana in the tight space between the kitchen cabinets. They had to disassemble doors and panels to reach the iguana, which proved to be a challenging task.
Once located, the iguana was ready to run when it noticed the removal experts. However, they were able to capture the iguana using hand-grabbing and pole snaring techniques, which are considered humane and cause no harm to the iguana or property. It is illegal to relocate iguanas under Florida law, so they must be euthanized after capture. Ronquillo of Humane Iguana Control advises homeowners to contact experts for help with removing iguanas, as they can die if left stuck in place and may pose risks such as biting, scratching, or tail-whipping when cornered.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has placed the green iguana on a prohibited nonnative species list since April 29, 2021. This reflects the serious impact that iguanas can have on the local ecosystem and private property in South Florida. Removing iguanas safely and efficiently is crucial to prevent injuries, property damage, and health risks associated with these invasive reptiles. Homeowners are urged to contact iguana removal experts to handle such situations and avoid potential harm from these creatures.
In conclusion, the presence of iguanas in South Florida homes poses a potential threat to homeowners and their property. The recent case of the Miami woman evicting a green iguana from her kitchen highlights the importance of prompt and effective removal of invasive reptiles. Humane Iguana Control utilizes humane methods of capture and removal to ensure the safety of both the iguanas and the property. By following the advice of experts and being cautious when encountering iguanas, homeowners can avoid potential injuries and property damage caused by these aggressive creatures.
