Nearly 100 iguana eggs discovered in one Florida homeowner’s yard highlight an alarming invasion threatening infrastructure and public health across the state.
At a Glance
- A record 98 iguana eggs were removed from a single property in Palmetto Bay, Florida
- Green iguanas damage infrastructure through burrowing, causing millions in damages including $1.8 million to a West Palm Beach dam
- Invasive iguanas have a 93% hatch rate, making professional removal critical
- Iguanas pose health risks through fecal contamination and can be dangerous to handle due to sharp claws, teeth, and whip-like tails
- Florida’s warm climate and lack of natural predators have allowed iguanas to flourish since their introduction in the 1960s
Record Iguana Egg Discovery Reveals Extent of Invasion
Humane Iguana Control of South Florida recently removed an unprecedented 98 iguana eggs from a single property in Palmetto Bay. The eggs were traced to three female iguanas that had created an interconnected network of burrows.
This discovery represents the largest single collection of iguana eggs the company has ever encountered at one site, underscoring the severity of Florida’s iguana infestation. The reptiles, originally introduced through the pet trade and cargo ships in the 1960s, have found Florida’s warm climate and lack of predators ideal for explosive population growth.
Michael Ronquillo of Humane Iguana Control emphasized the significance of the find, stating, “We removed 98 eggs. It’s the most eggs we’ve ever removed from a single site.” The property owner’s quick action in contacting professionals proved crucial, as iguanas have a staggering 93% hatch rate. Without intervention, this single nest could have introduced nearly 100 more invasive iguanas into the local ecosystem, each capable of producing dozens more eggs during the breeding season that typically runs from February through May.
Infrastructure Damage and Public Health Concerns
The iguana invasion extends far beyond mere nuisance status. These large reptiles cause significant structural damage through their burrowing habits, undermining streets, sidewalks, and seawalls. One particularly costly example occurred in West Palm Beach, where iguana burrows resulted in $1.8 million in damage to a dam. Their presence creates serious infrastructure vulnerabilities that threaten public safety and require expensive repairs. In residential areas, iguanas destroy landscaping and gardens, creating additional financial burdens for homeowners.
“Iguanas are more than a nuisance,” warns Ronquillo. “They pose health risks, cause landscape destruction, and can damage infrastructure with their burrows.”
Adding to these concerns are the sanitation issues iguanas create. They frequently defecate near pools, on docks, patios, and other public spaces. This behavior spreads bacteria that can contaminate water sources and recreational areas, creating potential public health hazards. For Florida communities already dealing with various environmental challenges, the addition of iguana-related sanitation problems compounds existing difficulties in maintaining clean, safe outdoor spaces.
Professional Removal Essential for Safety and Effectiveness
Experts strongly advise against homeowners attempting to remove iguanas or their eggs themselves. These reptiles possess sharp claws and teeth, and their powerful tails can deliver painful, whip-like strikes at high speeds. Rather than covering discovered burrows, property owners should flag them and immediately contact professional removal services. Attempting amateur removal not only risks personal injury but often proves ineffective, allowing the infestation to spread further.
“Florida’s unique ecosystems are home to an incredible diversity of native plants and animals, but they are also under constant threat from invasive species,” notes the Florida Wildlife Federation.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has implemented various control strategies for invasive species, including encouraging homeowners to report sightings and increasing professional removal efforts. Green iguanas join other problematic invasive species in Florida, including Burmese pythons, feral hogs, Argentine tegus, and Rhesus macaques, all of which disrupt native wildlife and damage ecosystems. The comprehensive approach to managing these invasions requires coordination between government agencies, removal professionals, and vigilant property owners.
Community Vigilance Key to Controlling the Invasion
The Palmetto Bay case demonstrates how quickly potential infestations can be curbed with proper community awareness and rapid professional intervention. Property owners, particularly in South Florida, are encouraged to regularly inspect their yards for signs of iguana activity, especially during the February-May breeding season. Early detection of burrows or eggs can prevent established colonies from forming and limit the extensive damage these invasive reptiles cause to both private property and public infrastructure.
As Florida continues battling multiple invasive species that threaten its unique ecosystems, the iguana situation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of public education, professional wildlife management, and community vigilance. Without these coordinated efforts, invasive species like the green iguana will continue to expand their range, increasing the ecological and economic costs to the state and its residents. The successful removal of nearly 100 eggs from one property represents a small but significant victory in this ongoing battle.
