Iguana Prevention: What Actually Works

If you've searched for iguana prevention advice, you've probably found dozens of suggestions ranging from sensible to absurd. Garlic spray? Mothballs? Predator urine? As professionals who work with Florida property owners daily, we'll tell you what actually works—and help you avoid wasting money on ineffective solutions.

Methods That Actually Work

1. Strategic Landscaping

Your plant choices directly affect iguana attraction. Iguanas are herbivores with strong preferences. Learn more about their diet on our iguana biology page.

Plants Iguanas Love (Avoid or Protect):

• Hibiscus – Their absolute favorite
• Bougainvillea – Flowers and leaves both eaten
• Orchids – High target for consumption
• Roses – Flowers especially attractive
• Impatiens and pentas – Common landscape plants they devour
• Fruit trees – Mangoes, papayas, figs, bananas
• Vegetable gardens – Nearly all vegetables

Iguana-Resistant Alternatives:

• Oleander – Toxic to iguanas (and many animals)
• Crotons – Generally avoided
• Milkweed – Toxic, also supports monarch butterflies
• Citrus trees – Less attractive than tropical fruits
• Thick-leafed succulents – Difficult to consume
• Crown of thorns – Physical deterrent and unappealing
• Most palms – Generally ignored for food

If you must have hibiscus or other favorites, consider protecting them with hardware cloth cages or relocating them away from property boundaries.

2. Physical Barriers

Properly designed fencing is one of the most effective prevention methods, though it requires commitment and correct installation.

Effective Fencing Specifications:

• Height: Minimum 4 feet, 5-6 feet preferred. Iguanas can jump and climb.
• Material: Smooth metal or fine mesh (hardware cloth with 1/2" openings max). Chain link is climbable and ineffective.
• Top design: 45-degree outward angle or roller bars prevent climbing over.
• Ground treatment: Bury 6-12 inches deep or use an L-shaped footer extending outward to prevent burrowing under.
• Gates: Must have no gaps greater than 1/2 inch. Self-closing is recommended.

3. Tree and Vegetation Management

Iguanas access properties via tree branches, power lines, and dense vegetation. Managing these pathways is critical:

• Trim branches: Maintain 6-foot clearance from roofs, fences, and seawalls. This also helps prevent falling iguanas from landing on structures.
• Install tree guards: Smooth metal cones or plastic shields around trunks (3+ feet high) prevent climbing from ground level.
• Remove dense ground cover: Thick vegetation provides hiding spots and cool shelter. Keep landscaping beds open and visible.
• Eliminate brush piles: These are prime nesting and hiding areas.

4. Water Feature Management

Iguanas are excellent swimmers and are attracted to water sources. For waterfront properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach, water management is essential.

• Pool screens: Well-maintained screen enclosures prevent pool access and fecal contamination. Repair any tears immediately.
• Fountain covers: Cover or screen decorative fountains when not in use.
• Irrigation timing: Water in early morning rather than evening—iguanas are attracted to the moisture and cooler ground.
• Seawall barriers: Smooth metal sheeting or concrete caps discourage climbing.

5. Remove Food Sources

Beyond landscaping choices, eliminate supplemental food sources:

• Never feed iguanas: This is actually against Florida regulations in some municipalities and creates habituated, aggressive animals.
• Secure garbage: Use tight-fitting lids and clean up spills.
• Manage pet food: Never leave pet food outdoors. Bird feeders also attract iguanas.
• Harvest fruit: Pick ripe fruit promptly and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Compost management: Use enclosed bins, not open piles. Vegetable scraps are iguana magnets.

Methods That Don't Work (Save Your Money)

A Realistic Prevention Plan

Based on property type and budget, here's a practical approach:

Phase 1: Immediate Actions (Week 1)

1. Assessment: Document existing iguana activity and damage. Use our damage identification guide.
2. Remove easy food: Clean up fallen fruit, secure garbage, bring in pet food.
3. Close obvious access: Seal gaps in pool screens, close gates, cover exposed pipes.

Phase 2: Habitat Modification (Weeks 2-4)

1. Tree trimming: Create clearance from structures and reduce canopy access routes.
2. Burrow identification: Locate and mark existing burrows. Do not fill until iguanas are removed—you'll trap them inside.
3. Landscape evaluation: Identify high-attraction plants and decide on protection or replacement.

Phase 3: Physical Barriers (Month 2)

1. Priority areas first: Protect gardens, pool equipment, and vulnerable seawall sections.
2. Install tree guards: Focus on trees providing access to structures.
3. Seawall treatment: Add caps or smooth sheeting to prevent climbing.

Phase 4: Professional Services (Ongoing)

Prevention alone rarely solves existing infestations. Consider professional removal services, especially during peak seasons. Removing the current population makes prevention measures more effective.

Special Considerations by Property Type

Waterfront Properties

Properties on canals, lakes, and the Intracoastal face the highest pressure. Iguanas use waterways as highways and seawalls as prime basking spots. Priority measures:

• Seawall caps with smooth, unclimbable surfaces
• Dock access barriers
• Tree trimming along water's edge
• Regular burrow inspections (see damage identification)

HOA Communities

Individual property prevention is less effective when neighbors don't participate. Community-wide programs yield better results. See our HOA budgeting guide and community program.

Properties Adjacent to Natural Areas

Golf courses, preserves, and undeveloped land act as iguana reservoirs. Focus on making your property less attractive than neighbors, and expect ongoing management rather than complete elimination.

Maintaining Your Prevention System

Prevention is not a one-time project. Establish a maintenance routine:

• Weekly: Visual inspection for new burrows, fence damage, screen tears. Pick up fallen fruit.
• Monthly: Check tree guard integrity. Inspect seawall for new climbing marks or holes.
• Quarterly: Evaluate landscaping health. Plan any plant replacements. Check local activity levels.
• Annually: Major tree trimming before spring breeding season. Professional assessment recommended.