How Iguanas Damage Your Home (and How to Prevent It)

Iguana Mama
Aug 11
2 min read

If you live in South Florida, chances are you’ve seen green iguanas lounging by your pool, sunning themselves on your seawall, or munching on your hibiscus.They might look like harmless sunbathers, but these invasive reptiles can cause serious (and expensive) damage to your property. As a licensed iguana removal specialist in Boca Raton, I’ve seen firsthand how destructive they can be. Here’s how green iguanas damage homes, and what you can do to protect your property.

1. Burrowing Under Foundations and Seawalls

Green iguanas are expert diggers. Their burrows can stretch several feet underground, often right under patios, sidewalks, driveways, seawalls, and even home foundations. Over time, this tunneling weakens the structure, causing cracks, sinking, or collapse. Around seawalls, burrows cause erosion that speeds up costly water damage.

Prevention Tip:

Inspect your property regularly for burrow holes (3–5 inches wide).
Fill and compact small holes quickly before they expand.
Install underground barriers in high-risk areas for effective iguana control.

2. Destroying Landscaping

From hibiscus and orchids to vegetable gardens, iguanas are relentless plant-eaters. They strip plants bare, dig up new flowers, and raid fruit trees before you get a single harvest.

Prevention Tip:

Choose iguana-resistant plants like croton, pentas, or citrus.
Use netting or wire enclosures for high-value plants.
Remove fallen fruit to avoid attracting more iguanas.

3. Pool & Patio Problems

Iguanas love water, meaning your swimming pool is an open invitation. They’ll climb in to cool off, leave droppings behind (which can contain salmonella), and scratch pool liners or decking.

Prevention Tip:

Cover your pool when not in use.
Trim trees and shrubs near pool areas.
Install fencing or screening to block access.

4. Roof & Gutter Issues

Iguanas can use overhanging branches to jump onto roofs, where they damage shingles, chew insulation, and clog gutters with droppings.

Prevention Tip:

Trim tree branches 4–6 feet away from your roofline.
Clean gutters regularly.
Seal roof gaps and attic vents.

5. Health Hazards

Aside from damage, iguanas can carry salmonella, which can be spread to people and pets through droppings.

Prevention Tip:

Wear gloves when cleaning affected areas.
Disinfect patios, pool decks, and furniture.
Keep pets away from iguana-contaminated spots.

The Bottom Line

The damage from just a few iguanas can add up; cracked seawalls, ruined gardens, clogged gutters, and costly repairs. The best prevention is early action.

If you see iguanas on your property, call a professional for humane iguana removal before they multiply. At Iguana Mama, I offer iguana removal in Boca Raton and surrounding areas, using safe, effective methods that actually work; no ineffective traps, no wasted time.

Looking for reliable South Florida iguana control, contact Iguana Mama today for HOA nd residential iguana removal services, residential protection plans, and expert iguana problem solutions that keep your home and community safe.