Iguana Prevention: How to Make Your Florida Property Less Attractive to Iguanas

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and nowhere is this more true than with Florida's invasive iguana population. While removing an established iguana colony can cost thousands of dollars and take months to complete, implementing proper prevention measures costs a fraction of that and delivers lasting protection.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Florida property owners need to know about making their properties less attractive to iguanas, from strategic landscaping to physical barriers to ongoing maintenance programs.

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Understanding What Attracts Iguanas

Before implementing prevention strategies, it's essential to understand why iguanas choose certain properties over others. Iguanas need four things to thrive:

1. Food Sources

Green iguanas are primarily herbivores with strong preferences for certain plants. Properties with abundant food sources become magnets for iguana populations.

Most Attractive Plants (High Risk):

• Hibiscus (flowers and leaves)
• Bougainvillea
• Orchids
• Roses
• Impatiens
• Pentas
• Nasturtiums
• Pansies
• Petunias
• Fruit trees: mangoes, papayas, bananas, figs, berries
• Vegetable gardens (nearly all vegetables)
• Squash, melons, tomatoes
• Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach)

2. Water Access

Iguanas are excellent swimmers and need regular water access for hydration and thermoregulation.

Water Attractants:

• Swimming pools (especially without screen enclosures)
• Ponds and water features
• Canal and waterfront access
• Irrigation systems that create standing water
• Pet water bowls left outside
• Birdbaths

3. Basking Spots

As cold-blooded reptiles, iguanas require sunny spots to regulate their body temperature. They seek:

• South-facing walls and fences
• Concrete pool decks and patios
• Flat rocks and boulders
• Dock surfaces
• Seawall caps
• Rooftops (especially flat sections)

4. Shelter and Nesting Sites

Iguanas need protected areas for sleeping, hiding from predators, and laying eggs:

• Dense vegetation and shrubs
• Rock piles and landscape timbers
• Burrows (they dig their own, up to 80 feet long)
• Spaces under sheds, decks, and pool equipment
• Hollow trees and palm trunks
• Thick mulch beds

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Strategic Landscaping: Plants Iguanas Love vs. Hate

The most cost-effective long-term prevention strategy is choosing plants iguanas naturally avoid.

Plants to Avoid or Protect

If you love these plants, consider protecting them with hardware cloth cages or relocating them away from property boundaries:

Plant	Why Iguanas Love It	Protection Strategy
Hibiscus	Favorite food; eat flowers and leaves	Hardware cloth cage, frequent monitoring
Bougainvillea	Flowers highly attractive	Plant in protected courtyard only
Roses	Flowers and tender shoots	Thorns don't deter; cage if keeping
Orchids	Prized delicacy	Keep in screened areas only
Mangoes	Fruit and leaves consumed	Tree guards, harvest promptly
Papayas	Entire plant attractive	Consider removing or caging
Fig trees	Fruit highly attractive	Tree guards essential
Banana plants	Fruit and flowers eaten	Difficult to protect; consider removal

Iguana-Resistant Plant Alternatives

These plants are generally avoided by iguanas and make excellent replacements:

Flowering Plants:

• Oleander (toxic to iguanas and many animals—use with caution around pets/children)
• Crown of thorns
• Chenille plant
• Milkweed (also supports monarch butterflies)
• Pentas (native varieties less attractive than hybrids)
• Society garlic
• Liriope
• Bird of paradise (less preferred)

Shrubs and Hedges:

• Crotons (generally avoided)
• Ti plants (red varieties less attractive)
• Podocarpus
• Simpson's stopper
• Walter's viburnum
• Firebush (native)
• Cocoplum (native)

Trees:

• Most palms (not a food source)
• Citrus (less attractive than tropical fruits)
• Live oaks
• Gumbo limbo
• Sea grape

Ground Covers:

• Thick-leafed succulents
• Agave species
• Bromeliads (most varieties)
• Juniper
• Asiatic jasmine

Pro Tip: When replanting, budget $2,000-8,000 for a typical residential landscape conversion. This one-time investment pays for itself within 1-2 years compared to ongoing removal costs.

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Physical Barriers: Protecting High-Value Areas

When complete landscape conversion isn't practical, physical barriers protect specific areas.

Fencing Specifications

Effective iguana fencing requires specific design elements—standard fencing is easily climbed.

Recommended Specifications:

• Height: 4-6 feet minimum (5-6 feet preferred)
• Material: Smooth sheet metal, hardware cloth (1/2" mesh maximum), or PVC panels
• Top Design: 45-degree outward angle OR roller bar system
• Bottom Treatment: Buried 6-12 inches OR L-shaped footer extending 12" outward
• Gates: Self-closing, no gaps greater than 1/2 inch

What Doesn't Work:

• Chain link (easily climbed)
• Standard wood fencing (climbable)
• Chicken wire (iguanas fit through or climb over)
• Any fencing without buried/angled components

Installation Costs:

Area Size	Basic Fence	Professional Installation
Garden (100 sq ft)	$500-800	$800-1,200
Pool area (400 sq ft)	$1,500-2,500	$2,500-4,000
Full yard (1/4 acre)	$4,000-6,000	$6,000-10,000

Seawall and Dock Protection

Waterfront properties face constant re-infestation pressure as iguanas swim from neighboring properties and wild areas.

Seawall Solutions:

• Smooth metal capping: Prevents climbing over seawall top ($15-30/linear foot installed)
• Metal sheeting: Attached below waterline prevents climbing from water ($20-40/linear foot)
• Burrow prevention mesh: Installed behind seawall face ($25-50/linear foot)

Dock Protection:

• Piling wraps: Smooth metal or plastic sleeves on dock pilings ($50-100 per piling)
• Dock skirting: Prevents access from underneath ($10-20/linear foot)
• Electric barriers: Low-voltage deterrent on dock edges ($500-2,000 for typical dock)

Pool and Patio Protection

Screen Enclosures:

• Most effective pool protection (iguanas rarely breach properly maintained screens)
• Cost: $10,000-30,000 for new installation
• Maintenance: Repair tears immediately—iguanas exploit small openings

Without Screens:

• Motion-activated sprinklers around pool perimeter
• Remove all food sources within 50 feet of pool
• Keep deck wet (reduces basking appeal)
• Install roller bars on fence/wall tops

AC Unit and Equipment Protection

Iguanas frequently nest in outdoor AC units, causing:

• Electrical shorts and fire hazards
• Compressor damage from droppings
• Blocked airflow reducing efficiency
• Expensive repair bills ($500-3,000+)

Protection Methods:

• Hardware cloth cage around unit (maintain required clearance for airflow)
• Raised platform installation (18"+ off ground)
• Regular inspection during service visits
• Motion-activated deterrents nearby

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Habitat Modification

Beyond plants and barriers, modifying your property's habitat reduces its appeal.

Eliminating Shelter

Remove:

• Brush piles and dead vegetation
• Rock piles and landscape timber stacks
• Dense ground-level vegetation
• Debris piles
• Unused equipment or materials stored outside

Modify:

• Trim shrubs to eliminate ground-level density
• Remove vegetation touching structures
• Clear 2-3 feet around building foundations
• Eliminate gaps under decks, sheds, and equipment

Burrow Prevention and Treatment

Existing burrows attract new iguanas—filling them is essential.

Burrow Filling Protocol:

1. Confirm burrow is unoccupied (professional assessment recommended)
2. Fill with concrete, gravel, or compacted soil
3. Install hardware cloth at entrance for added security
4. Monitor for new digging activity

Cost: $50-200 per burrow for professional filling (DIY possible but less effective)

Reducing Basking Appeal

Strategies:

• Install shade structures over sunny concrete areas
• Keep dock surfaces wet during peak basking hours (8am-11am)
• Remove or reposition flat decorative rocks
• Plant shade trees strategically (but maintain distance from structures)

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What Doesn't Work: Debunked Prevention Methods

Save your money—these commonly marketed "solutions" are ineffective:

Ultrasonic Devices

• Claim: Sound frequencies repel iguanas
• Reality: No scientific evidence of effectiveness; iguanas habituate quickly to any stimulus
• Cost wasted: $50-200 per device

Mothballs

• Claim: Strong smell deters iguanas
• Reality: Ineffective and toxic to pets, children, and environment; illegal to use as pesticide
• Cost wasted: $20-50, plus potential EPA fines

Predator Urine (Coyote, Fox)

• Claim: Iguanas flee predator scent
• Reality: No natural predators in Florida; iguanas don't recognize these scents as threats
• Cost wasted: $20-40 per application, ongoing

Garlic or Pepper Sprays

• Claim: Strong taste/smell deters feeding
• Reality: May temporarily discourage feeding on treated plants, but iguanas move to untreated areas; requires constant reapplication
• Cost wasted: $10-30 per bottle, multiple applications

Rubber Snakes or Owl Decoys

• Claim: Iguanas flee fake predators
• Reality: May work for 1-2 days; iguanas quickly learn decoys aren't real threats
• Cost wasted: $15-50 per decoy

Bottom Line: The only effective prevention methods involve physical barriers, landscape modification, and habitat management. Quick fixes don't exist.

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Seasonal Prevention Calendar

Iguana behavior changes throughout the year. Time your prevention efforts strategically.

January - February (Breeding Season Start)

• Priority: Exclude iguanas before mating begins
• Actions: Repair all fence/screen damage, fill burrows, inspect seawalls
• Note: Iguanas become more territorial and aggressive

March - April (Nesting Season)

• Priority: Prevent egg-laying on your property
• Actions: Fill potential nesting burrows, monitor for new digging
• Note: Females seek soft soil for nest construction

May - June (Hatching Season)

• Priority: Monitor for juvenile activity
• Actions: Repair any barrier breaches, maintain vigilance
• Note: Hatchlings are small and find tiny gaps; inspect carefully

July - August (Peak Activity)

• Priority: Maximum barrier maintenance
• Actions: Daily monitoring, immediate repair of any damage
• Note: Highest iguana activity and population visibility

September - October (Fall Transition)

• Priority: Prepare for winter slowdown
• Actions: Complete major barrier projects before winter
• Note: Good time for landscape conversion projects

November - December (Reduced Activity)

• Priority: Planning and preparation
• Actions: Schedule professional assessments, plan spring projects
• Note: Cold snaps cause "falling iguana" events—opportunity for removal

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Property-Specific Prevention Strategies

Waterfront Properties

Challenges:

• Constant re-infestation via swimming
• Seawall burrow damage
• Dock and boat lift nesting

Priority Investments:

1. Complete seawall protection system ($2,000-8,000)
2. Dock piling wraps ($500-1,500)
3. Professional monthly monitoring service ($75-200/month)

HOA Communities

Challenges:

• Multiple properties requiring coordination
• Common area responsibility vs. unit owner responsibility
• Budget approval requirements

Best Approach:

1. Community-wide prevention assessment
2. Common area barrier installation
3. Landscape conversion in phases
4. Annual contract with prevention-focused provider

Learn more about HOA iguana management budgeting →

Golf Courses and Parks

Challenges:

• Large open areas impossible to fence
• Water features throughout
• Public access limitations

Best Approach:

1. Focus protection on high-value areas (greens, clubhouse)
2. Strategic landscape conversion in phases
3. Aggressive trapping program during peak seasons
4. Acceptance of some iguana presence in low-impact areas

Properties with Pools

Challenges:

• Pool contamination (Salmonella risk)
• Deck damage from basking
• Screen enclosure breaches

Priority Investments:

1. Screen enclosure repair/installation ($10,000-30,000 new)
2. Motion-activated sprinklers ($100-300)
3. Deck drainage improvements (reduce pooling water)

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Professional Maintenance Programs

For many Florida properties, ongoing professional maintenance is the most cost-effective prevention strategy.

What's Included

Monthly Service ($75-200/month residential):

• Property inspection for iguana activity
• Barrier integrity check
• Burrow monitoring and filling
• Trap placement if activity detected
• Report and recommendations

Quarterly Service ($150-400/quarter residential):

• Comprehensive property assessment
• Seasonal prevention adjustments
• Minor barrier repairs included
• Emergency response availability

When Professional Maintenance Makes Sense

Consider ongoing service if your property has:

• Waterfront or canal access
• Previous iguana infestations
• High-value landscaping
• Pool without screen enclosure
• HOA common areas
• Commercial food service areas

ROI Calculation

Scenario	Annual Prevention Cost	Without Prevention (Damage + Removal)
Small residential	$1,000-2,000	$3,000-8,000
Waterfront home	$2,000-4,000	$8,000-20,000
HOA (per unit share)	$200-500	$500-2,000

Typical ROI: 200-400% return on prevention investment

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Getting Started: Prevention Action Plan

Phase 1: Assessment (Week 1)

1. Walk your property and document:

   • Current iguana activity (sightings, droppings, damage)
   • Attractive plants present
   • Water sources and access points
   • Potential shelter areas
   • Existing barriers and their condition

2. Identify priority protection areas:

   • Pool/patio
   • Vegetable garden
   • High-value landscaping
   • Seawall/waterfront
   • AC units and equipment

Phase 2: Immediate Actions (Weeks 2-4)

1. Remove or cage highest-value target plants
2. Eliminate obvious shelter (brush piles, debris)
3. Fill any existing burrows
4. Repair damaged screens or fencing
5. Install AC unit protection

Phase 3: Infrastructure Investment (Months 2-6)

1. Install permanent fencing around priority areas
2. Complete seawall protection (if waterfront)
3. Begin phased landscape conversion
4. Consider screen enclosure for pool

Phase 4: Ongoing Maintenance (Ongoing)

1. Weekly visual inspection
2. Immediate repair of any barrier damage
3. Seasonal adjustments per calendar above
4. Consider professional maintenance contract

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Conclusion

Iguana prevention isn't about finding a magic solution—it's about systematically removing the food, water, shelter, and basking opportunities that attract these invasive reptiles to your property. While the upfront investment in proper barriers and landscape modification may seem significant, it's a fraction of the cost of repeated removal efforts and ongoing property damage.

The key is starting now. Every month you delay allows iguana populations to establish, breed, and cause damage that could have been prevented. Even partial prevention measures—protecting your pool area, converting the most attractive plants, installing seawall protection—deliver meaningful results.

Ready to protect your property?

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Learn about removal costs if prevention is too late →