Miami's Iguana Problem
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are native to Central and South America and were introduced to South Florida through the pet trade in the 1960s. Miami-Dade County now has one of the densest iguana populations in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of animals established throughout the county — concentrated in waterfront neighborhoods, canal banks, parks, and landscaped subdivisions.
Florida FWC classifies iguanas as an invasive species and actively encourages their removal from private property. Unlike native wildlife, iguanas have no legal protection in Florida. They may be humanely removed from private property without a permit.
Damage Iguanas Cause in Miami
- Burrowing: Undermines sidewalks, pool decks, foundations, seawalls, and canal banks — causing costly structural damage
- Landscaping destruction: Consumes ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers voraciously
- Fecal contamination: Large iguanas produce significant feces that creates sanitation issues on patios, docks, and pool areas
- Salmonella risk: Iguana feces can harbor Salmonella bacteria — a health concern in areas where children play or food is prepared
- Seawall damage: Burrowing along waterfront seawalls is a major issue in Miami's canal communities, accelerating seawall failure
Our Iguana Removal Approach
We evaluate iguana activity levels, identify burrow sites, preferred basking areas, and entry/exit routes on your property to develop an effective removal plan.
Live cage traps are placed at active basking sites and travel corridors. We also use pole snares for direct capture of iguanas that are not entering traps. Traps are checked and reset daily.
We advise on removing or protecting preferred food sources, filling active burrow sites to discourage re-burrowing, and eliminating basking structures that attract iguanas to your property.
Physical barriers around vegetable gardens and landscape beds, trunk wraps on fruit trees to prevent climbing, and application of iguana deterrent products on preferred plants provide ongoing protection after population reduction.