Operation: Evict the Green Goons! Your Guide to Outsmarting Florida's Prehistoric Party Crashers
Living in Florida is all sunshine and beaches... until you see a dinosaur sunbathing by your pool. Yes, we're talking about iguanas, the uninvited reptilian guests who seem to have received a lifetime pass to your backyard. But fear not, fellow Floridian! This guide will turn you into an iguana Indiana Jones, ready to reclaim your tropical paradise.
Step One: Understanding the Enemy (and Their Shady Real Estate Habits)
These green giants aren't exactly shy. They love basking on rooftops, digging tunnels in your carefully manicured lawn, and leaving, ahem, "presents" around your pool. Bold and territorial, they see your property as a prime spot for their prehistoric vacation.
Where do they come from? Nobody really invited them to the pool party, but they probably snuck in from nearby canals or wilderness areas.
Step Two: Making Your Backyard Iguana-Unfriendly (Without Turning into Tony Soprano)
Eviction is key, but not through violence! Iguanas are an established species in Florida, and there are humane ways to send them packing. Here's your eviction toolkit:
- Become an architect: Build a fence! But not just any fence. Iguanas are escape artists, so go for a sturdy, tall fence with a metal footing that digs underground. Think of it as a Jurassic Park for… well, the opposite.
- Deploy the sprinkler squad: Iguanas don't like surprises. Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to give them a cold shower and encourage them to find a less splashy spot.
- Become a plant whisperer: Iguanas have a taste for the finer things in your garden (like your prized hibiscus). Plant things they dislike, like oleander (though be careful, this plant is toxic to humans and pets) or citrus trees.
Step Three: Operation: Decoy and Distract (Because Shiny Things Work Wonders)
Iguanas are, well, a little on the simple side. Distract them with a decoy buffet of (fake) veggies placed strategically far away from your actual plants. Shiny objects like pinwheels can also deter them, because who can resist a bit of sparkle?
Remember: Persistence is key. Getting rid of iguanas takes time and a multi-pronged approach. But hey, at least you won't have to share your pool floats with a scaly sunbather anymore!
FAQ:
How to humanely remove an iguana from my property?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has guidelines for iguana removal. Trapping and relocation are not recommended, so you might need to call a professional wildlife removal service.
How to keep iguanas out of my pool?
A pool cover is your best bet. You can also try netting or fencing around the pool's perimeter.
How to stop iguanas from digging holes in my yard?
Fill in existing holes and deter them with the methods mentioned above (fences, sprinklers). Adding gravel or rocks around the perimeter of your yard can also make digging difficult.
How to keep iguanas from eating my plants?
Plant repellents or mesh cages around your favorite greenery can help. Offering them a decoy buffet of (fake) vegetables can also distract them.
How to avoid attracting iguanas in the first place?
Keep your yard free of debris and eliminate potential food sources like fallen fruit or overgrown vegetation.
