Iguanas, often invasive species, can become significant pests for homeowners, causing extensive damage to landscaping and property. These large, herbivorous lizards possess a voracious appetite for ornamental plants and tend to burrow near foundations and seawalls, which can compromise structural integrity. A natural and humane strategy to deter iguanas involves modifying the environment to make it inhospitable. By eliminating preferred food sources, denying shelter and basking spots, and deploying non-toxic sensory annoyances, property owners can encourage iguanas to relocate naturally.
Eliminating Attractive Food Sources
Natural iguana control begins with dietary management, as these herbivores have specific food preferences. They are strongly attracted to tender, brightly colored foliage and flowers, such as hibiscus, roses, orchids, and impatiens. Iguanas also feast on most fruits and vegetables grown in gardens, making it important to promptly collect any fallen fruit from trees before the iguanas can access it.
Modifying your landscaping to include plants iguanas naturally avoid can create a long-term, passive deterrent. Iguanas tend to shun plants with waxy, tough, or thick leaves because they are less palatable. Plant species such as citrus, milkweed, pentas, and crotons are generally resistant to iguana consumption.
Incorporating strong-smelling herbs and plants, like rosemary, sage, and society garlic, can further discourage feeding in specific garden areas. The chemical compounds in these plants are naturally repellent. Replacing highly desirable plants with iguana-resistant alternatives and securing food scraps removes the primary incentive for the lizards to remain on your property.
Physical Exclusion and Habitat Denial
Physical exclusion techniques are often the most effective natural methods for preventing iguanas from accessing your property. Iguanas are adept climbers and diggers, so exclusion barriers must address both horizontal and vertical access points. For ground-level protection, installing a perimeter fence requires an L-shaped wire barrier, typically constructed from hardware cloth or chicken wire.
The barrier should be buried vertically for several inches, with the bottom bent outward in an “L” shape and extended horizontally for about 10 inches. This buried extension prevents iguanas from digging underneath the fence. Additionally, sealing gaps beneath gates and fences with wire mesh or metal flashing is necessary to block small entry points.
To prevent iguanas from climbing trees, which they use for feeding and basking, install smooth sheet metal guards around the trunk. These metal cylinders should be placed approximately 18 inches above the ground, making it impossible for the lizards to grip the slick surface and ascend the tree. Dock pilings can also be wrapped with sheet metal to prevent climbing onto sunbathing platforms.
Habitat denial involves removing sheltered spaces iguanas use for nesting and protection. Iguanas frequently create burrows near foundations, under sidewalks, or along seawalls, which can cause structural damage over time. Vacant burrows should be filled with sand, gravel, or cement, ensuring no animals are inside. Trimming back low-hanging tree branches and dense shrubbery near structures removes easy access to roofs and eliminates ground-level protective cover.
Non-Toxic Sensory Deterrents
Natural sensory deterrents engage the iguana’s senses of smell, taste, and surprise to create an unpleasant experience. Homemade repellent sprays are effective when applied directly to plants or surfaces iguanas frequent, leveraging aversive compounds. Solutions made from blended garlic, hot peppers, and lime juice mixed with dish soap create a highly objectionable taste and odor.
The active component in hot peppers, capsaicin, acts as an irritant when sampled or smelled, conditioning iguanas to avoid the treated area. Because these natural sprays are water-soluble, they must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain or irrigation, to maintain their potency. The use of motion-activated water sprinklers, sometimes called “water scarecrows,” is another highly effective natural tactic.
These devices use an infrared sensor to detect the heat and movement of an approaching iguana, triggering a sudden, startling burst of water. The combination of unexpected noise, movement, and physical shock conditions the lizards to avoid the protected zone. For visual deterrence, hanging reflective objects, such as compact discs or reflective tape, can confuse and startle iguanas with unpredictable flashes of light. This method is often short-lived, however, as iguanas quickly become accustomed to a stationary visual threat unless the objects are routinely moved.