How to Identify Iguana Damage on Your Florida Property

If you live in South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, there's a good chance iguanas have already visited your property. These prehistoric-looking reptiles may seem harmless, but they can cause significant structural and landscape damage that often goes unnoticed until repair bills reach into the thousands.

1. Landscape and Garden Damage

The most visible signs of iguana activity typically appear in your landscaping first. Iguanas are herbivores with voracious appetites, and they're not picky eaters.

What to Look For:

• Stripped ornamental plants: Hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, and roses are favorite targets. Look for leaves eaten down to the stem or completely missing flower buds.
• Vegetable garden destruction: Tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and melons are decimated overnight. Unlike insect damage, iguana feeding leaves clean bite marks.
• Fruit tree damage: Mangoes, papayas, and figs show bite marks. Iguanas will also strip bark from young trees, potentially killing them.
• Scattered droppings: Iguana feces are cylindrical, dark brown with white tips (uric acid), typically 1-3 inches long. You'll find them on patios, pool decks, and docks.

For a deeper understanding of iguana behavior and why they target certain plants, visit our comprehensive iguana guide.

2. Seawall and Foundation Damage

This is where iguanas cause their most expensive damage. Adult iguanas dig extensive burrow systems that can undermine critical structures.

3. Pool and Deck Damage

Iguanas love pools—not just for drinking, but for defecating. This creates both aesthetic and health concerns for property owners.

Common Pool Area Issues:

• Fecal contamination: Iguana droppings in pools can carry Salmonella bacteria. The CDC recommends treating the pool and avoiding swimming until chlorine levels neutralize contaminants.
• Screen enclosure damage: Iguanas climb and their claws tear through pool screens, creating entry points for mosquitoes and other pests.
• Paver displacement: Burrowing under pool decks causes pavers to shift, creating trip hazards and drainage problems.
• Equipment damage: Iguanas have been known to nest inside pool pump housings and chew through wiring seeking warmth.

4. Roof and Attic Intrusion

While less common than ground-level damage, iguanas will access roofs and occasionally enter attics, particularly during cold snaps when they seek warmth.

Signs of Roof Activity:

• Droppings on roof tiles or in gutters
• Scratches or claw marks on fascia boards
• Damaged or displaced roof vents
• Scratching sounds in the attic (especially during cold weather)
• Trees or palm fronds providing roof access

During Florida's occasional cold fronts, iguanas become immobilized and fall from trees—sometimes onto roofs where they recover and seek entry. Learn more about this phenomenon on our falling iguanas page.

5. Electrical and Utility Damage

Iguanas cause thousands of power outages in Florida each year. On your property, watch for:

• Chewed irrigation wiring: Landscape lighting and sprinkler system wires are frequently damaged.
• Damaged outdoor outlets: Iguanas may nest near or inside outdoor electrical boxes.
• HVAC issues: Burrowing near AC units or chewing condenser wiring.

What to Do If You Find Damage

If you've identified any of these warning signs on your property, here's your action plan:

1. Document everything: Take photos and videos of all damage for insurance purposes. Note the date and location of each finding.
2. Don't attempt DIY removal: Florida law requires humane handling of iguanas. Improper removal methods can result in fines. Read about Florida's iguana regulations.
3. Get professional assessment: Request quotes from verified providers who can assess the full extent of the problem and recommend solutions.
4. Address structural damage promptly: Seawall and foundation issues worsen quickly. Get engineering assessments for significant damage.

Insurance Considerations

Most standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover iguana damage, as it's classified as pest damage or gradual deterioration. However:

• Some policies cover sudden structural collapse caused by burrowing
• Flood insurance may cover seawall damage in certain circumstances
• Document ongoing prevention efforts to support future claims
• Ask your agent about wildlife damage riders or endorsements

For HOAs and property managers dealing with community-wide iguana issues, we offer specialized resources on our HOA and Community page.