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Alright, Coby McConnell here, from Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control. You know, most folks think of me as the termite guy, and they’re right, termites are a menace! But here in sunny Tampa and Clearwater, we’ve got another slimy, scaly problem slithering its way into our lives and causing serious headaches: iguanas.
Now, when you picture Florida, you probably think of palm trees, beaches, and maybe a gator or two. But increasingly, especially down here in the Gulf Coast, you’re seeing more and more of these big, green (or sometimes brown, or even orange!) lizards strutting around like they own the place. And let me tell you, they might look cool on a postcard, but they are a full-blown pest problem.
These aren’t your friendly neighborhood squirrels, folks. Here’s why iguanas are becoming a real nuisance for homeowners and businesses in our beautiful region:
They’re Eating Your Landscape, Root and Branch!
You spend good money on that beautiful landscaping, those vibrant hibiscus, your fruit trees. You nurture them, you water them, you prune them. And then along comes an iguana, or a whole family of them, and they treat your meticulously cared-for plants like a buffet. They’re primarily herbivores, meaning they love to munch on leaves, flowers, and fruit. We’re talking about significant damage to ornamental plants, gardens, and even agricultural crops. They’ll decimate your prize-winning roses and turn your vegetable patch into a salad bar for lizards. It’s frustrating to watch all your hard work disappear into the belly of an invasive reptile.
Digging, Burrowing, and Undermining Everything
It’s not just what they eat, it’s what they do with their strong claws. Iguanas are champion diggers. They’ll excavate burrows under sidewalks, driveways, patios, and even foundations. This tunneling can lead to serious structural damage over time, causing cracks, sinkholes, and undermining the very stability of your property. Imagine your pristine seawall, designed to protect your home from the bay, slowly being compromised by a network of iguana tunnels. It’s a costly repair waiting to happen, and it’s a direct result of these unwanted guests.
Droppings. Everywhere.
Let’s just say iguanas are not shy about where they relieve themselves. You’ll find their droppings on your pool deck, your patio furniture, your docks, your boats, and even in your swimming pool. Not only is this unsightly and a mess to clean up, but their droppings can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella. That’s a health risk you definitely don’t want around your family or your business.
They’re an Invasive Species, and They’re Spreading Fast
These green iguanas aren’t native to Florida. They’re originally from Central and South America and some Caribbean islands. They were brought here, mostly through the pet trade, and either escaped or were unfortunately released into the wild. Our warm, humid climate is basically a five-star resort for them, and with no natural predators to speak of, their populations are exploding.
What does that mean for our native wildlife? It means competition. They’re competing with native species for food sources and habitat, throwing our delicate ecosystem out of whack. It’s a domino effect that can have long-term consequences for Florida’s unique biodiversity.
So, What Can You Do?
This isn’t a problem that’s just going to disappear on its own. While some folks might try DIY methods like loud noises or sprays, for a truly effective solution, you need professional pest control.
At Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control, we don’t just deal with termites. We understand the unique pest challenges facing Tampa and Clearwater, and iguanas are definitely on that list. We employ humane and effective strategies for iguana removal, including trapping and exclusion techniques, to safely remove these destructive creatures from your property and implement measures to prevent their return.
Don’t let these invasive lizards turn your Florida dream home into their personal playground. If you’re seeing signs of iguanas on your property – chewed-up plants, mysterious burrows, or suspicious droppings – give us a call. We’ll assess the situation and put a plan in place to get your property back to being your own, without those scaly squatters. You deserve to enjoy your piece of paradise, pest-free!
