Do you see iguanas in your home every single morning? You should immediately use control methods to stop these creatures from creating serious problems.
But how can you do that? And what proven control approaches work effectively? It comes down to where you’re living and what your property looks like.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about those approaches so you can save yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of these reptiles.
Difference between Iguana Control and Iguana Removal
It’s important to get this right first. In removal, you physically remove an iguana from the property. But iguana control is a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond a one-time response. Here, your property is evaluated as a whole. First, it’s checked where the iguanas are coming from and where they’re feeding. Professionals also check how they’re traveling through the property and which areas attract them the most.
Removal is just a tiny part of the control, whereas the latter is a 360-degree approach.
Start with Pest Management
Homeowners can first start with addressing the root cause of why iguanas appear in the first place. Most property owners usually don’t have proper fences or sealed entry points. A professional can point out those areas and ask you to fill those gaps.
These reptiles are also attracted to brightly colored flowers and non-circulating fruits like mangoes and bananas. While we don’t recommend not growing the plants, you can make sure no fruit stays on the floor. You can also use cage traps near those plants to capture them immediately.
Biological Controls
Iguana control specialists can ask you to introduce natural predators (such as certain birds) that prey on these reptiles. Similarly, herons and hawks can be used to control populations naturally. You can also modify the nearby environment by removing the hiding places, such as dense thickets. The overhanging branches can be trimmed, especially if they’re touching your house.
Iguanas also dislike neem oil and citrus scents, so you can use them to repel the reptiles.
Spray Interventions
If needed, some professionals can also use organic deterrent sprays. But it should be done carefully, and only environmentally friendly products should be used. This targets only iguanas while protecting other non-target species. It also reduces the environmental impact on the overall ecosystem.
Iguana Trapping
Trapping can also be an effective approach, especially when combined with other control methods. Professionals use uniquely designed traps (live-cage or one-way door) that lure iguanas in. Traps work amazingly well if placed near the water sources. They’re also covered with foliage that mimics a natural setting. Since reptiles are attracted to colorful flowers, these fruits can also be used as bait.
Here, it’s important to mention that this approach requires careful planning and adherence to regulations.
Bottom Line
The approaches we’ve mentioned above work well, but homeowners should never carry them out themselves. Only professionals who have experience in controlling iguanas (in different settings) should try these. This is the only way to ensure the control methods yield the most effective outcomes.