Key Takeaways
- South Florida is home to multiple invasive iguana species that cause serious property damage, including destroyed landscaping, undermined seawalls, and contaminated pools.
- Professional iguana removal services use humane, FWC-compliant methods including trapping, exclusion, and habitat modification tailored to South Florida's unique environment.
- DIY iguana control rarely works long-term because South Florida's year-round warm climate and abundant vegetation support rapid population regrowth.
- Removal costs vary by property size, infestation severity, and service type, but investing in professional removal saves thousands in potential structural and landscaping repairs.
- Local experts familiar with South Florida's iguana hotspots — from Miami-Dade to the Keys — deliver faster, more effective results than general pest control companies.
South Florida iguana populations have exploded over the past two decades, turning what was once an occasional backyard sighting into a full-blown property crisis for homeowners across the region. If you are dealing with iguanas digging burrows along your seawall, stripping your garden bare, or leaving droppings around your pool deck, you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of green iguanas, black spiny-tailed iguanas, and other invasive species now call this region home. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about professional iguana removal in South Florida — from understanding why the problem is so severe here to choosing the right local service, understanding costs, and knowing your legal rights. By the end, you will have a clear action plan for reclaiming your property.
Why South Florida Has the Worst Iguana Problem in the Country
South Florida provides the perfect storm of conditions for invasive iguanas to thrive. Understanding why the problem is so severe here helps you make better decisions about removal strategies and long-term prevention.
Climate and Geography Fuel Explosive Growth
South Florida's subtropical climate mirrors the native habitats of green iguanas in Central and South America. Average winter temperatures in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties rarely dip below 60°F for extended periods. This means iguanas can remain active, feeding, and breeding for virtually the entire year. In contrast, iguanas in Central Florida face cold snaps that periodically thin their populations.
The region's extensive canal systems, coastal mangroves, and lush residential landscaping provide iguanas with everything they need: food, water, shelter, and nesting sites. Waterfront properties along the Intracoastal Waterway are particularly vulnerable because iguanas are strong swimmers and use canals as travel corridors between neighborhoods.
How Iguanas Arrived and Spread
Iguanas first appeared in South Florida during the 1960s, likely released or escaped from the exotic pet trade. By the early 2000s, their populations had reached critical mass. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission now estimates that millions of green iguanas alone inhabit the southern half of the state. Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Monroe County, and Collier County rank among the hardest-hit areas.
Female green iguanas can lay 20 to 70 eggs per clutch, and they reach reproductive maturity by age two or three. With few natural predators in South Florida — no large raptors, big cats, or snakes that specifically target adult iguanas — the population grows virtually unchecked without human intervention.
Species You Will Encounter in South Florida
Not every iguana you see on your property is the same species, and identification matters because behavior, habitat preferences, and removal strategies differ. Understanding key iguana facts and behavior can help you communicate more effectively with removal professionals and set realistic expectations.
- Green iguana (Iguana iguana): The most common invasive iguana in South Florida. Adults range from three to six feet in length and weigh up to 20 pounds. They are primarily herbivorous and cause extensive damage to ornamental plants, fruit trees, and gardens.
- Black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis): Smaller but faster and more aggressive than green iguanas. They are omnivorous and will eat bird eggs, insects, and small lizards in addition to plants. These iguanas are especially common in parts of Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys.
- Mexican spiny-tailed iguana: Found in smaller pockets, particularly in certain Broward County neighborhoods. Similar behavior to the black spiny-tailed iguana.
Knowing which species you are dealing with helps a removal professional select the right trapping approach, bait, and exclusion strategy for your specific situation.
Property Damage Caused by Iguanas in South Florida
Many homeowners underestimate the financial impact of an iguana infestation until they face a five-figure repair bill. Iguanas in South Florida are not just a nuisance — they are a legitimate threat to your property's structural integrity and value.
Seawall and Foundation Damage
Iguanas dig extensive burrow systems for nesting and shelter. A single female can excavate a tunnel four to six feet deep and up to 80 feet long. When these burrows run beneath seawalls, sidewalks, foundations, or pool decks, the soil erosion they cause can lead to structural collapse. Seawall repair in South Florida typically costs between $200 and $600 per linear foot. A compromised 50-foot section could cost you $10,000 to $30,000 to repair.
Waterfront homeowners in neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas area, and Key Biscayne are especially at risk because iguanas gravitate toward canal and shoreline edges for burrowing.
Landscaping Destruction
Green iguanas are voracious herbivores. They target hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, roses, impatiens, and fruit trees — the very plants that define South Florida's lush residential landscapes. A single adult iguana can strip a mature hibiscus bush overnight. Multiply that by a colony of 10 to 30 iguanas, and you can lose an entire professionally designed landscape within a single season.
They also damage vegetable gardens, herb beds, and fruit trees including mango, banana, papaya, avocado, and fig. If you have invested in tropical landscaping, iguanas represent a direct financial threat to that investment.
Pool and Outdoor Living Area Contamination
Iguanas are drawn to swimming pools and hot tubs, especially during cooler mornings when the warm water attracts them. They defecate in pools, on pool decks, and across outdoor furniture. Iguana droppings can carry Salmonella bacteria, which poses a health risk to your family and pets. Cleaning and sanitizing a pool after iguana contamination can cost $150 to $500 per incident, depending on severity.
Roof and Attic Intrusion
Some iguanas, particularly black spiny-tailed iguanas, are excellent climbers. They access rooftops via trees, fences, and walls. Once on the roof, they can damage tiles, soffits, and attic vents. In rare cases, they enter attic spaces. The damage they cause to roofing materials creates entry points for water, leading to costly leak repairs.
South Florida Iguana Removal Methods That Actually Work
Not all removal methods deliver the same results. Professional iguana removal services in South Florida use a combination of techniques tailored to your property's layout, the species present, and the severity of the infestation.
Professional Trapping
Trapping is the backbone of most professional iguana removal programs. Licensed trappers use cage traps, snare poles, and noose traps strategically placed along iguana travel routes, near burrow entrances, and around food sources.
Effective trapping requires knowledge of iguana behavior. Iguanas are creatures of habit. They follow the same paths to feeding areas, use the same basking spots, and return to the same burrows. A skilled trapper reads these patterns and positions traps accordingly.
Trapping works best when combined with other methods. A trap-only approach can reduce the visible population, but without addressing what attracts iguanas to your property, new animals will fill the void within weeks.
Hand Capture and Snaring
For properties with accessible iguana populations — animals basking on docks, seawalls, or fences — hand capture with snare poles is fast and effective. Experienced removal specialists can clear a dozen or more iguanas from a single property in one visit using this method.
Hand capture is especially useful for initial knockdown of a large population before transitioning to trapping and exclusion for long-term management.
Exclusion and Habitat Modification
Exclusion is the most overlooked yet most important component of iguana management. Without it, removal is temporary. Exclusion involves modifying your property to make it less attractive and less accessible to iguanas.
Common exclusion strategies include:
- Tree trimming: Cut branches that overhang rooflines, fences, and seawalls. Iguanas use tree canopy as highways. Maintaining a minimum three-foot gap between tree branches and structures reduces roof access significantly.
- Burrow filling: After iguanas are removed from burrows, the tunnels must be properly filled with compacted soil, gravel, or concrete to prevent recolonization.
- Seawall guards: Metal sheeting, smooth-surface barriers, or specialized iguana guards installed along seawall tops prevent iguanas from climbing onto your property from the water.
- Garden protection: Wire mesh cages over valued plants, raised garden beds with hardware cloth bottoms, and iguana-resistant plant selections reduce food incentives.
- Dock and boat lift modifications: Wire mesh screening around dock structures prevents iguanas from nesting underneath.
Deterrent Systems
While no single deterrent is 100% effective, some products and methods work well as part of a comprehensive program:
- Motion-activated sprinklers: Startle iguanas and disrupt their basking routine. Most effective when placed near known basking areas.
- Sound deterrents: Ultrasonic devices have limited effectiveness against iguanas. Most professionals recommend against relying on them as a standalone solution.
- Visual deterrents: Reflective tape, predator decoys, and wind spinners can temporarily discourage iguanas but lose effectiveness as the animals habituate.
Professional removal companies in South Florida know which deterrents work in which situations and will recommend only evidence-based options.
How South Florida Iguana Removal Services Operate
Understanding how a professional service works from start to finish helps you evaluate companies, set realistic expectations, and get better results.
Initial Property Inspection
A reputable iguana removal company starts with a thorough property inspection. The technician will:
- Identify the species present on your property
- Locate burrows, nesting sites, and travel routes
- Assess structural damage to seawalls, foundations, and landscaping
- Count or estimate the active iguana population
- Identify attractants such as fruit trees, flowering plants, and water features
- Note access points from neighboring properties, canals, and green spaces
This inspection should be free or included in the service contract. If a company quotes you without ever visiting your property, that is a red flag.
Customized Removal Plan
After the inspection, the company develops a removal plan specific to your property. This plan typically includes:
- Immediate population reduction through trapping, snaring, or hand capture
- Ongoing monitoring with regularly scheduled visits (weekly or biweekly)
- Exclusion recommendations with a timeline and cost estimates
- Habitat modification guidance you can implement between visits
The best companies provide a written plan with clear milestones and expected timelines. For a moderate infestation, expect four to eight weeks before you see significant population reduction. For severe infestations with established colonies, three to six months of sustained effort may be needed.
Ongoing Maintenance Programs
Iguanas in South Florida are not a one-and-done problem. Even after your property is cleared, iguanas from surrounding areas will attempt to recolonize. Most professional services offer monthly or quarterly maintenance programs that include:
- Perimeter checks for new burrows or activity
- Trap placement during peak activity seasons (spring breeding season and summer)
- Touch-up exclusion work as needed
- Population monitoring and reporting
Maintenance programs typically cost significantly less than the initial removal effort and provide the best return on investment for long-term iguana control.
What South Florida Iguana Removal Costs
Cost is one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the answer depends on several factors. Here is a realistic breakdown based on current South Florida market rates.
Factors That Influence Pricing
- Property size: Larger properties with more landscaping, longer seawalls, and greater waterfront exposure cost more to service.
- Infestation severity: A property with five iguanas costs less to clear than one with 50 or more.
- Species present: Black spiny-tailed iguanas are harder to trap and remove than green iguanas, which can increase labor costs.
- Access difficulty: Properties surrounded by dense vegetation, canal edges, or neighboring vacant lots require more time and effort.
- Service type: One-time removal costs less upfront but more over time. Ongoing maintenance contracts deliver better long-term value.
Typical Price Ranges
- One-time removal visit: $150 to $500 depending on property size and iguana count
- Initial removal program (4–8 weeks): $500 to $3,000+ for moderate to severe infestations
- Monthly maintenance: $100 to $300 per month
- Quarterly maintenance: $200 to $600 per quarter
- Exclusion work (seawall guards, tree trimming, burrow filling): $500 to $5,000+ depending on scope
When comparing costs, consider the alternative. A single compromised seawall section can cost $10,000 or more to repair. Investing $1,500 to $3,000 in professional iguana removal is a fraction of that potential expense.
What to Watch Out For
Be cautious of companies that:
- Charge per iguana removed with no cap — this can incentivize leaving some behind
- Guarantee 100% elimination — no honest company can promise this in South Florida
- Refuse to provide a written estimate or service agreement
- Lack proper licensing and insurance
Legal Rules for South Florida Iguana Removal
Florida law treats iguanas differently from native wildlife. Understanding the legal framework protects you from fines and ensures your removal efforts are compliant.
FWC Regulations
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classifies green iguanas and other non-native iguanas as invasive species. Under FWC rules:
- Iguanas can be humanely killed on private property at any time without a permit, as long as the property owner gives consent.
- Anti-cruelty laws still apply. All removal methods must be humane. The FWC endorses methods that result in quick, painless death, such as a bolt to the brain or rapid decapitation by a trained professional.
- Iguanas cannot be relocated and released elsewhere. If captured alive, they must be kept in captivity permanently or humanely euthanized. Releasing them on public land or someone else's property is illegal.
- No hunting license is required to remove iguanas on private property. However, if you are removing iguanas on certain public lands, additional permits may be required.
Homeowner Association Considerations
Many South Florida HOAs and condo associations have rules about wildlife removal, trap placement on common areas, and vendor approval. If you live in a community with an HOA, check with your property manager before hiring a removal service. Some HOAs contract with iguana removal companies for community-wide programs, which can reduce individual costs.
Municipal Regulations
Some South Florida municipalities have additional ordinances regarding trap placement on public right-of-way areas, discharge of firearms or air rifles (relevant for some removal methods), and noise restrictions that may affect timing of removal activities. Your chosen removal company should be familiar with local regulations in your specific city or county.
Why DIY Iguana Removal Fails in South Florida
Many homeowners try to handle their iguana problem themselves before calling a professional. While this is understandable, DIY approaches almost always fail in South Florida for several reasons.
The Replacement Problem
South Florida's iguana population density is so high that removing a few animals from your property simply opens territory for others. Within days or weeks, new iguanas move in from canals, neighboring properties, and green spaces. Without ongoing trapping and exclusion, DIY removal is like bailing water from a boat with a hole in it.
Lack of Proper Equipment
Effective iguana trapping requires commercial-grade cage traps, snare poles, and positioning knowledge. Hardware store traps marketed for raccoons or possums are poorly sized for iguanas and often result in escapes or injuries to the animal. Injured iguanas become trap-shy, making future capture much harder.
Safety Risks
Adult green iguanas can exceed five feet in length and weigh 15 to 20 pounds. They have razor-sharp claws, powerful tails capable of delivering painful whip strikes, and surprisingly strong jaws. Handling a stressed, wild iguana without training and protective equipment puts you at real risk of lacerations, bites, and bacterial infections from Salmonella exposure.
Black spiny-tailed iguanas are even more aggressive when cornered. They are faster, more prone to biting, and harder to handle safely than green iguanas.
Ineffective Home Remedies
Common DIY remedies that do not work:
- Mothballs: Toxic to pets and children, ineffective against iguanas, and illegal to use as an animal deterrent under federal pesticide law.
- Hot pepper spray: May deter feeding temporarily but washes away with rain (which is frequent in South Florida) and does not prevent burrowing.
- Predator urine: No scientific evidence supports its effectiveness against iguanas. South Florida iguanas have no experience with the predators whose urine is marketed (wolves, foxes, etc.), so it triggers no fear response.
- Poison: There is no registered poison or pesticide for iguana control. Using rat poison, antifreeze, or other toxicants is illegal, inhumane, and dangerous to non-target wildlife, pets, and children.
How to Choose the Right South Florida Iguana Removal Company
With the iguana problem as severe as it is, dozens of companies now offer removal services across the region. Not all of them deliver professional results. Here is how to evaluate your options.
Licensing and Insurance
At minimum, a reputable company should carry:
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation coverage
- Any applicable county or city business licenses
Ask for proof of insurance before allowing anyone on your property. If a technician is injured on your property and the company lacks workers' compensation, you could face liability.
Experience and Specialization
Choose a company that specializes in iguana removal, not a general pest control company that added iguanas to its service list. Iguana behavior is fundamentally different from rodent, insect, or general wildlife behavior. A company with dedicated iguana expertise will:
- Know the difference between green iguana and black spiny-tailed iguana behavior
- Understand seasonal patterns specific to South Florida (breeding season starts in late fall, egg laying peaks in spring)
- Recognize burrow systems and structural risk factors
- Use species-appropriate trapping methods
Service Area Knowledge
South Florida is not monolithic. Iguana populations, species mixes, and property types vary significantly across the region:
- Miami-Dade County: Dense urban iguana populations in neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and along canals throughout Hialeah and Miami Springs. Homeowners dealing with iguana removal services in Miami face some of the highest population densities in the country, with both green iguanas and black spiny-tailed iguanas present.
- Broward County:Fort Lauderdale iguana problems are especially pronounced in Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach, particularly in waterfront communities along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach see growing iguana populations, especially in communities with golf courses and extensive landscaping.
- Monroe County (Florida Keys): The iguana issues in Key West FL extend throughout Key Largo, Marathon, and Islamorada, where limited land area and abundant vegetation create intense pressure.
- Collier County: Naples and Marco Island deal with increasing iguana sightings, particularly in coastal and canal-front communities.
A company familiar with your specific area will understand local conditions, common infestation patterns, and municipal regulations.
References and Reviews
Ask for references from recent clients in your area. Check Google reviews, Nextdoor recommendations, and Better Business Bureau ratings. Look for patterns in reviews — consistent complaints about missed appointments, ineffective results, or billing disputes are warning signs.
Written Agreements
A professional company provides a written service agreement that includes:
- Scope of work (trapping, exclusion, maintenance)
- Service schedule and duration
- Pricing and payment terms
- Warranty or guarantee terms (realistic ones, not "100% elimination")
- Cancellation policy
Seasonal Patterns That Affect South Florida Iguana Removal
Timing your removal effort to align with iguana seasonal behavior increases effectiveness and reduces long-term costs.
Breeding Season (October Through March)
Male iguanas become more territorial and visible during breeding season, making them easier to locate and trap. However, this is also when females are preparing nesting sites. Removing iguanas before egg laying (which typically occurs between February and April) prevents the next generation from hatching on your property.
Nesting Season (February Through June)
Females dig deep nesting burrows and deposit clutches of eggs. If you notice new burrows appearing in sunny, sandy areas of your property during this period, act immediately. A single undetected nest can add 20 to 70 hatchlings to your property within 60 to 90 days.
Peak Activity (April Through October)
Warmer months bring peak iguana activity. They are feeding heavily, growing rapidly, and ranging farther across properties. This is the most productive period for trapping because iguanas are actively moving and more likely to encounter traps.
Cold Snaps (December Through February)
South Florida occasionally experiences cold fronts that drop temperatures into the 40s. When temperatures fall below approximately 50°F, iguanas become immobilized and fall from trees. While this phenomenon makes headlines, it rarely results in significant population reduction in South Florida. Most immobilized iguanas recover when temperatures rise. However, cold snaps can drive iguanas into warmer hiding spots — under pool equipment, inside garages, and within attic spaces — creating unexpected encounters.
Long-Term Iguana Management for South Florida Properties
Removing the iguanas currently on your property is only step one. Without a long-term management strategy, reinfestation is inevitable. Here is what a sustainable approach looks like.
Landscape Redesign
Replace iguana-preferred plants with species they avoid. Iguanas in South Florida tend to avoid:
- Milkweed
- Oleander (toxic to most animals)
- Citrus trees (they eat some citrus but generally prefer other fruit)
- Crotons (some species)
- Thick-leaved succulents
Consult with a South Florida landscape designer who understands iguana-resistant planting. This does not mean giving up a beautiful yard — it means making strategic plant choices that reduce your property's appeal as a food source. For a broader overview of the challenge, Florida's invasive iguana species guide covers the statewide scope of the problem and additional management strategies.
Structural Hardening
Invest in permanent exclusion features:
- Stainless steel or aluminum seawall caps that prevent climbing
- Smooth metal sleeves around dock pilings
- Hardware cloth screening over attic vents and soffits
- Concrete or compacted gravel fill for existing burrow systems
- Fence modifications that eliminate climbing access (smooth surfaces, overhangs)
These investments pay for themselves by reducing ongoing removal costs and preventing structural damage.
Community Coordination
Iguana control is most effective when entire neighborhoods participate. If you remove iguanas from your property but your neighbors do nothing, their iguanas will simply migrate to yours. Talk to your neighbors, present the issue at HOA meetings, and consider community-wide removal contracts that cover multiple properties simultaneously.
Some South Florida communities have successfully organized neighborhood iguana management programs. These coordinated efforts achieve better results at lower per-property costs than individual homeowner efforts.
Regular Professional Monitoring
Even after your property is cleared and hardened, schedule quarterly inspections with your removal company. A trained eye can spot early signs of reinfestation — fresh burrow digging, new droppings, plant damage patterns — before a small problem becomes a large one again.
Protecting Your Family and Pets From South Florida Iguanas
Beyond property damage, iguanas pose health and safety concerns that South Florida homeowners should take seriously.
Salmonella Risk
Iguanas are common carriers of Salmonella bacteria. Their droppings, and any surface they contact, can harbor the pathogen. Children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk. If iguanas have been in or near your pool, on your outdoor furniture, or in your garden, sanitize those areas thoroughly.
Bite and Scratch Injuries
While iguanas generally flee from humans, a cornered or startled iguana will defend itself aggressively. Their teeth are small but serrated, designed for shearing plant material, and can cause deep lacerations. Their claws are sharp enough to require stitches. Any iguana bite or scratch should be cleaned immediately and monitored for infection.
Pet Safety
Dogs are most frequently injured in encounters with iguanas. A curious dog that corners an iguana may receive tail whips, bites, or deep claw scratches. Additionally, dogs that catch and consume iguanas risk Salmonella infection and potential exposure to parasites. Keep your dog leashed in areas with known iguana activity, and contact your veterinarian if your pet has a direct encounter.
When to Call a South Florida Iguana Removal Professional
Some situations call for immediate professional intervention. Do not wait if you notice:
- Active burrowing near your seawall, foundation, or pool deck
- More than three to five iguanas regularly visible on your property
- Iguanas entering your pool, spa, or outdoor kitchen area repeatedly
- Damage to your roof, soffits, or attic vents
- Droppings in areas where children or pets play
- A sudden increase in iguana sightings, especially juveniles (indicating a nearby nest has hatched)
Early intervention costs less and delivers faster results. A small iguana problem today can become a major infestation within a single breeding season. Every week you delay gives the existing population more time to dig burrows, attract mates, and establish territory on your property.
The right South Florida iguana removal service will assess your situation honestly, provide a clear plan, and work with you to achieve lasting results. Your property is a significant investment — protecting it from invasive iguanas is not optional in this region. It is essential maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How quickly can a professional remove iguanas from my South Florida property?
Most professional services can achieve significant population reduction within two to four weeks for moderate infestations. The initial visit typically removes the most visible and accessible iguanas through hand capture and snaring. Follow-up trapping sessions over the next several weeks target the remaining animals. Severe infestations with established burrow colonies may take two to three months of consistent effort.
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Is iguana removal legal in South Florida without a permit?
Yes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classifies green iguanas, black spiny-tailed iguanas, and other non-native iguanas as invasive species. Property owners and their authorized agents can humanely remove iguanas on private property without a special permit or hunting license. However, all removal must comply with anti-cruelty laws, and captured iguanas cannot be relocated and released elsewhere.
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How much does iguana removal typically cost in South Florida?
One-time removal visits range from $150 to $500 depending on property size and the number of iguanas present. Initial removal programs spanning four to eight weeks typically cost $500 to $3,000 or more for severe infestations. Monthly maintenance programs run $100 to $300 per month. Exclusion work such as seawall guards and burrow filling adds $500 to $5,000 depending on scope.
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Will iguanas come back after professional removal?
In South Florida, reinfestation is likely without ongoing management. The regional iguana population is so large that new animals migrate into cleared territories from canals, neighboring properties, and public green spaces. This is why most reputable companies recommend ongoing maintenance programs combined with exclusion and habitat modification rather than one-time removal alone.
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Can I use poison to get rid of iguanas on my property?
No. There is no pesticide or poison registered for iguana control in Florida. Using rat poison, antifreeze, or any other toxicant to kill iguanas is illegal under state and federal law. It also poses serious risks to pets, children, and non-target wildlife. Stick with legal, humane methods — trapping, hand capture, and exclusion — or hire a licensed professional.
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What time of year is best for iguana removal in South Florida?
The most effective time to begin a removal program is late fall through early spring, before breeding season peaks and eggs are laid. Removing adult iguanas before February through April nesting prevents the next generation from hatching on your property. However, professional removal can and should be conducted year-round in South Florida because the warm climate supports iguana activity in every month.