Think You Only Have a Few Iguanas? Think Again.

One of the most common things I hear from homeowners is: “We only have two or three iguanas.”

Unfortunately, if you’re seeing a few iguanas regularly, there are usually many more nearby that you aren’t seeing.

Iguanas are incredibly good at hiding. They spend much of their day tucked into trees, thick landscaping, under docks, around seawalls, near canals, and even beneath structures in burrows you may never notice. By the time homeowners start consistently spotting iguanas in the yard, the population in the area is often already established.

What many people don’t realize is that iguanas are creatures of habit. They follow the same travel routes, return to the same basking spots, and stay close to reliable food, water, and nesting areas. If your property provides those things, more iguanas are likely nearby...even if only a few are visible at a time.

Female iguanas can also lay large clutches of eggs each year, which means a “small problem” can grow quickly if left unmanaged. South Florida’s warm climate allows populations to thrive year-round, especially around lakes, canals, golf courses, and communities with lush landscaping.

Some signs there may be more iguanas nearby include:

• Burrows near seawalls, patios, or foundations• Droppings around docks, pools, or walkways• Missing flowers, plants, or garden damage• Iguanas repeatedly appearing in the same areas• Increased sightings during warmer parts of the day

This is one of the reasons early population control matters. Waiting until the problem becomes overwhelming usually means more property damage, more nesting, and a much larger population to manage later.

At Iguana Mama LLC, I focus not only on humane and effective removal, but also on helping homeowners understand why iguanas are choosing their property in the first place. Identifying nesting areas, travel patterns, and attractants can make a major difference in long-term control.

If you’re seeing “just a few” iguanas, chances are you’re only seeing part of the picture.