How do you get rid of an iguana?

Florida’s Treasure Coast is known for its sunny weather, lush landscaping, and waterfront homes—but that tropical charm also makes it the perfect habitat for invasive green iguanas. These cold-blooded reptiles might look harmless basking in the sun, but they can cause serious damage to your property. From digging burrows under foundations to devouring gardens and damaging seawalls, iguanas are more than just a backyard nuisance. If you’ve spotted one on your roof or patio, there’s a good chance more are hiding nearby.

Getting rid of iguanas isn’t as simple as chasing them off with a broom. Because of Florida’s wildlife laws and how quickly these reptiles multiply, removal requires a mix of strategy, humane tools, and local expertise. That’s where AAAC Wildlife Removal of Treasure Coast comes in. We specialize in safe, legal iguana control for homeowners in Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach, and surrounding coastal areas. Let’s walk through what attracts iguanas, what doesn’t work, and the most effective way to send them packing—for good.

First, Identify If Iguanas Are Really the Problem

Before setting traps or spraying repellents, you need to confirm that iguanas are actually to blame. On the Treasure Coast, green iguanas are the usual suspects—especially if you’re spotting long droppings, claw marks, or tunnels near seawalls or patios. They love sunbathing on rooftops, lounging near pools, and hiding in dense landscaping.

Their presence isn’t just annoying—it’s destructive. Iguanas dig burrows that can erode seawalls, weaken sidewalks, and cause foundational damage. They also feast on ornamental plants and vegetable gardens, leaving chewed leaves and half-eaten fruit behind. If you’ve seen one, chances are high there are more nesting out of sight, which is why early identification matters.

Not every reptile in your yard is an iguana, though. Local lizards and native species may resemble them at a glance but require different handling. That’s why a trained eye helps. AAAC Wildlife Removal technicians are familiar with the exact signs of green iguana activity in areas like Fort Pierce, Palm City, and coastal communities, ensuring we address the real issue from day one.

What Attracts Iguanas to Your Yard?

1. Lush Landscaping and Edible Plants

Green iguanas love leafy, tropical vegetation. If you’ve got hibiscus, bougainvillea, or fruit trees like mango and papaya in your yard, you’re giving them an all-you-can-eat buffet. These reptiles are especially drawn to dense greenery where they can feed and hide with little disruption.

2. Sun, Water, and Hard Surfaces

The Treasure Coast’s sunny climate is ideal for iguanas, who rely on heat to regulate their body temperature. That’s why you’ll spot them sunbathing on rooftops, pool decks, and seawalls. Water features like ponds, canals, and even your pool can also attract them for easy hydration and nesting nearby.

3. Shelter and Nesting Zones

Overgrown bushes, palms, and cluttered outdoor areas give iguanas the privacy they need to dig burrows and lay eggs. Female iguanas especially look for quiet, shaded spaces with soft soil. If you’re not regularly trimming vegetation or clearing debris, you may be inviting them to settle in for the long haul.

DIY Deterrents That Actually Work

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers- These are one of the most effective, humane scare tactics. When iguanas trigger the sensor, a sudden burst of water catches them off guard and conditions them to avoid the area. They’re especially useful for protecting gardens, pool decks, or landscaped walkways.
• Reflective Visual Disruptors- Iguanas dislike unpredictable movement and light. Hanging shiny objects like old CDs, foil strips, or reflective bird deterrent tape around your yard creates constant motion and glare. When installed near plants or fences, these visuals make your yard feel threatening to reptiles.
• Homemade Scent-Based Repellents- Certain smells naturally repel iguanas without posing harm. Sprays made from garlic, hot pepper, citrus oils, or vinegar can be applied to foliage or hard surfaces. For best results in the Treasure Coast climate, reapply every few days or after rain to maintain potency.
• Iguana-Proof Yard Fencing- Physical barriers work well when built with iguanas in mind. L-shaped mesh installed at the base of fences blocks diggers, while smooth PVC or metal sheeting makes vertical surfaces unclimbable. These upgrades are especially useful near seawalls, canal edges, and garden beds.
• Regular Landscaping Maintenance- Iguanas love cluttered, overgrown spaces for nesting and hiding. Trim back dense bushes, remove fallen fruit, and thin out hedges to eliminate shelter spots. A clean, tidy yard with minimal cover makes your property less inviting for reptiles to take up residence.

What Not to Do When Removing Iguanas

1. Don’t Try to Catch Them by Hand

Green iguanas may seem slow, but they’re surprisingly fast and strong when cornered. Trying to grab one without proper training can lead to deep scratches, tail whips, or even bites. Worse, if it’s nesting season, you might stumble into a burrow and create a bigger mess.

2. Avoid Illegal Traps or Harmful Methods

It’s illegal in Florida to use poisons, glue traps, or inhumane tools to deal with iguanas. These methods not only violate FWC regulations but can also harm other wildlife, pets, or children. Even if you catch one, you’re legally required to euthanize it humanely—something best left to professionals.

3. Don’t Relocate Iguanas on Your Own

Transporting or releasing iguanas elsewhere isn’t just ineffective—it’s against the law. Florida classifies green iguanas as an invasive species, and relocating them can spread the problem to other areas. The goal isn’t just removal; it’s control and prevention.

4. Don’t Underestimate the Damage They Cause

Some homeowners ignore a lone iguana, assuming it’ll move on. In reality, that one iguana could lead to dozens if it’s a nesting female. Their burrows can cause costly erosion and foundation issues, especially near seawalls or raised decks common in Treasure Coast homes.

5. Don’t Skip the Expert Help

DIY methods have limits. If you’re not seeing results—or if the population keeps growing—it’s time to call in licensed wildlife control. AAAC Wildlife Removal knows exactly how to handle iguana infestations legally and effectively, using targeted strategies that keep them from coming back.

Why Professional Iguana Removal Is the Smartest Choice

Hiring a licensed wildlife control expert isn’t just convenient—it protects you from potential legal issues. Florida has strict laws about how invasive species like green iguanas can be removed and euthanized, and violating those guidelines can lead to hefty fines. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Treasure Coast follows all FWC regulations, so you never have to worry about doing something illegal by accident.

More importantly, professional removal is safer and more effective than anything you can do on your own. Iguanas can scratch, bite, or whip their tails when cornered, and their burrows often run deeper than homeowners realize. Our team knows exactly where to look, how to trap them humanely, and how to remove them without putting your family, pets, or property at risk.

The real value, though, comes from strategy. Getting rid of one iguana won’t stop others from showing up next week. AAAC Wildlife Removal goes beyond the trap—we assess your yard, identify entry points, and recommend changes to prevent new infestations. With us, you don’t just get a quick fix. You get long-term control and peace of mind that the problem is handled right.

How AAAC Wildlife Removal of Treasure Coast Gets Rid of Iguanas

Property Inspection and Activity Mapping

Our process begins with a full walkthrough of your property to identify signs of iguana activity. We look for droppings, burrows, claw marks, and preferred basking areas like seawalls, rooftops, and pool decks. This step helps us pinpoint the problem zones and tailor a strategy that fits your specific layout and environment.

Humane Trapping and Legal Removal

Once the hotspots are identified, we deploy humane traps and use tools approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife. Our team is trained to capture adult iguanas, juveniles, and even those burrowed beneath surfaces. Every removal is performed legally, safely, and with the highest standards of care.

Deterrents and Habitat Modification

After removal, we take steps to keep iguanas from coming back. This includes applying natural repellents, recommending or installing physical barriers like fencing, and trimming or clearing vegetation that invites nesting. We help you make your property less attractive to future visitors.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

For homes near canals, seawalls, or high-risk vegetation zones, we offer follow-up visits and long-term deterrent plans. Our team monitors for new activity, advises on landscaping improvements, and provides continued support to ensure lasting results. The goal is total control—not just temporary relief.

Schedule an Iguana Control Inspection Today

If you’ve spotted iguanas sunning themselves on your dock, digging under your patio, or feasting on your garden, don’t wait for the problem to grow. The longer you delay, the more likely they are to nest, multiply, and cause costly damage to your property. That’s why AAAC Wildlife Removal of Treasure Coast offers fast, local pest control service tailored to homes in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, and surrounding areas.

Booking an inspection is quick and hassle-free. One of our trained wildlife technicians will assess your property, explain your options clearly, and recommend the best strategies to prevent iguanas from returning. No guesswork, no gimmicks—just proven methods that actually keep iguanas out of your yard.

Give us a call or request a quote online to get started. Whether you live near the water, in a gated neighborhood, or on a large lot with fruit trees, we’ve got the tools, training, and local experience to handle the job right the first time.