CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents in a Cape Coral neighborhood are battling an uncommon infestation: big iguanas.
NBC affiliate Gulf Coast News reported that one home has been vacant since Hurricane Ian in 2022, and since then, iguanas have arrived by the handfuls, and nothing appears to assist.
One neighbor, Rick Wheeler, mentioned he is killed over 20, however they maintain coming again.
“At any time limit, you possibly can see 10, 15 iguanas exterior,” he instructed Gulf Coast Information.
Inexperienced iguanas are invasive and now quantity within the hundreds throughout South Florida. Like different invasive reptiles, you possibly can humanely kill iguanas in your property year-round.
Images and video reveals iguanas masking the property exterior, hanging out on the roof and even peeking by the home windows from inside the home.
They don’t seem to be small both, Wheeler caught one which measured virtually six toes lengthy.
However the metropolis says as a result of its a nuisance and never a public security concern, they will not use tax {dollars} to deal with the issue.
Neighbors are involved that if nothing is completed, the iguanas will proceed to unfold by the neighborhood.
Listed below are some ideas from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to assist deter iguanas out of your property.
- Eradicating vegetation that act as attractants, like fruits and flowers
- Filling in holes to discourage burrowing
- Hanging wind chimes or different objects that make intermittent noises
- Hanging CDs which have reflective surfaces
- Spraying the animals with water as a deterrent
