The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a directive encouraging Florida homeowners to kill green iguanas they find on their property. “It might sound a bit barbaric, until you better comprehend the threat these reptiles can cause,” says Ellsworth Buck, V . p . of Insurance, Florida's top independent homeowners insurance agency.
Green iguanas are not native to Florida and therefore are an invasive species from South and central america. The reptiles damage structures for example seawalls, sidewalks and roofs. They also destroy landscape plants with flowers and foliage in addition to some fruit and then any vegetable plants. The creatures can also transmit salmonella to humans through contact with water or surfaces contaminated by their feces.
“It is important to check your pools to avoid contamination,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's largest independent home insurance agency.
No permit is required to kill green iguanas in your yard, however are protected by Florida's anti-cruelty law, therefore the execution must be considered humane. A hard blow to the head- a fast death, is usually recommended. It's illegal to poison, drown or freeze the reptiles as well as relocate captured iguanas. You can't kill or set traps in keeping areas in communities and condos of an HOA. In such cases, it is best to contact a professional removal service.
The Miami Herald reports iguanas have burrowed into sewer lines and under roads, popped-up in toilets, and shopping centers.
The FWC website says, green iguanas can live on the floor, in shrubs or perhaps in trees in a number of habitats including suburban developments, cities and agricultural areas. The reptiles are excellent swimmers and tolerate both fresh and saltwater. They are able to submerge themselves for approximately 4 hours at a time. Unlike their name, the retiles are blue, brown, orange, black and pink. The males can grow to in excess of 5 feet long. Their population is hard to control, given that they can lay over 70 eggs annually and have no known predators.
If you've green iguanas in your yard you want to get rid of the FWC has some advice regarding how to bring them from your place.
Fill in holes to discourage burrowing.
Hang wind chimes or any other items which make intermittent noises.
Hang CD's or décor with a reflective surface.
Spray the animals with water or use a sprinkler.
