What Do Iguana Droppings Look Like?
Describing and identifying the feces of most yard pests is usually pretty straightforward. However, iguana droppings are surprisingly complicated. This is partly because these lizards defecate and urinate at the same time, from the same opening. As a result, their droppings have a solid component, called the pellet, and a liquid component, called urate.
The pellet is brown or black in color and, in the case of adult iguanas, approaches the size of feces produced by small dogs. Urate consists of a thick, clear liquid and a white, stringy mass that sometimes gets folded into the pellet.
Carriers of Salmonella
Iguana droppings regularly contain Salmonella bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or by breathing in dried matter. People who contract the illness experience fever, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. The very young and very old can suffer more serious and prolonged symptoms, including potentially fatal reactions.
Damage & Control
Finding iguana waste on a property obviously means the reptiles are nearby, with higher concentrations indicating the pests are frequent visitors. Despite their laid-back reputation, iguanas are capable of damaging yards and structures. In certain instances, they might even bite people or cause scratches by whipping their tails as a defense tactic. For these reasons, property owners need to be aware of iguana droppings and consider them a sign to contact Critter Control for wildlife removal.