Do Iguanas Carry Salmonella? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Iguana Mama
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
You’ve probably heard the warning before: don’t touch reptiles without washing your hands. But in South Florida, it’s not just pet reptiles that pose a risk... our invasive green iguanas can carry Salmonella too.
Where Salmonella Comes From in Iguanas
Salmonella bacteria naturally live in an iguana’s digestive tract. This doesn’t make them “sick” in the way it might make us sick. In fact, iguanas can carry it for life without showing any symptoms. The problem starts when the bacteria get out of their body… usually in their droppings.
It’s Not Just the Poop
While iguana droppings are the biggest culprit, Salmonella can also be on their skin, claws, and anywhere they’ve been hanging out. That means:
Walking through your pool deck or patio after an iguana has passed through
Handling plants, furniture, or tools that have been contaminated
Why It Matters for Humans
If Salmonella gets into your mouth, whether through unwashed hands, food, or even contaminated pool water, it can cause serious illness. Symptoms often include:
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk of severe complications.
How I Stay Safe on the Job
As the owner of Iguana Mama LLC, I handle iguanas and their habitats almost daily. That means I take serious precautions to protect myself and my family from Salmonella exposure:
I undress in the garage, and my work clothes go straight into the washing machine — never onto furniture.
All equipment gets wiped down with Clorox wipes before it enters my car and sprayed with Lysol after every job.
My work shoes never enter the house. They stay in the garage or outside.
I wear gloves whenever possible when handling iguanas or contaminated surfaces.
I wash my hands thoroughly before touching anything in my home.
These steps may sound extreme, but when you work up close with invasive reptiles, you must be meticulous in the precautions you take. it’s the safest way to protect yourself and those around you.
How to Protect Yourself
Wash hands thoroughly after any outdoor activity in iguana-prone areas
Rinse pool decks, patios, and docks regularly
Don’t handle iguanas (dead or alive) without gloves
Hire professionals for safe, humane removal
Bottom Line
Iguanas might look like harmless sunbathers, but they’re not just damaging our landscaping...they can be spreading Salmonella too. Keeping their numbers under control protects both your property and your health.
