Lizards in South Florida

In South Florida the most frequent lizards are iguanas, common house gecko, Mediterranean house gecko, green and brown anoles.

If you have a problem with lizards in the house it will be the gecko or an iguana.

Iguanas in South Florida

Iguanas are an invasive species to the United State and have caused considerable damage in Florida. Most of South Florida iguana population come from the exotic pet trade.  

Iguanas can grow up to two feet long and range from seven to eighteen pounds. Typically green, iguanas can sometimes be brown or almost black in color. Along with comb-like spines that run across these reptiles’ backs, they are covered in scales and have a membrane that hangs underneath their jaws.

Iguana Damage

Iguanas are herbivores and will destroy your landscape and garden. Their burrows can undermine sidewalks, seawalls, and foundations.Iguana waste on patios and decks will consist of brown droppings surrounded by a white substance and create an unpleasant odor. Iguana droppings regularly carry Salmonella bacteria.

Iguanas are large lizards with sharp teeth, long claws, and a powerful tail. They normally avoid people but will defend themselves against pets and people.

Getting Rid of Iguanas

Do not feed iguanas! It will only attract more iguanas. The best way to keep iguanas out of lawns is to employ methods of habitat modification.

Erect fences or screens to protect plants and garden crops from the pest. To further deter iguanas from entering yards and climbing trees, property owners may set up barriers around trunks.

Because iguanas run with their heads up, a snare is an ideal catching method. Live traps can also be used, but they must be checked every twenty-four hours per Florida law.

Iguanas are strong, powerful lizards that will defend themselves if cornered. Additionally, it is illegal to release an iguana in Florida (39–4.005 Florida Administrative Code).

Call a professional to catch and handle iguanas in South Florida.

Geckos

Commonly called “house lizards,” geckos live in both suburban and urban areas with hot climates. These lizards gather around porch lights at night to hunt cockroaches and moths. A lizard that comes inside may have been attracted by an active insect infestation indoors. Due to the pests’ small size, tiny gaps or cracks around doors and windows can be enough for geckos to let themselves in.

Gecko Damage

The greatest danger posed by geckos in houses comes from Salmonella. Most reptiles carry this bacterium in their intestines, mouths, and feces. While it doesn’t harm lizards, salmonellosis in humans causes uncomfortable flu-like symptoms and may even be life-threatening.

Gecko Droppings

Geckos leave behind long, brown droppings tipped with white that stain fabric, curtains, and carpets.

Getting Rid of Geckos

Geckos may be captured in a small container, then released outdoors. A short-term solution, this method also requires a quick hand. Any method that requires touching reptiles is also not recommended due to risk of infection. To safely remove a lizard in the house, rely on the expert team at Critter Control.