Known for its lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, Florida has increasingly been grappling with the challenges posed by invasive species. Among these, the green iguana stands out as a particularly troublesome inhabitant.
Originally native to Central and South America and some eastern Caribbean islands, these non-native reptiles have found Florida’s subtropical climate to be ideal for their proliferation. Their rapid spread, especially in South Florida, has led to ecological and infrastructural damage, making them a pressing concern for residents and environmentalists alike.
One of the most visible impacts of these invasive species is their effect on local flora. Green iguanas are herbivorous creatures with a voracious appetite for a wide variety of plants. This has led to extensive damage to gardens, landscaping, and agricultural crops.
Why You Should Understand Iguanas’ Feeding Preferences
Homeowners and gardeners in South Florida often find themselves in a constant battle to protect their cherished greenery from these persistent reptiles. However, there are a few plants that iguanas tend to avoid, offering a glimmer of hope for those looking to preserve their gardens.
Understanding the plants iguanas hate can be a game-changer for anyone looking to maintain a thriving garden in iguana-prone areas. While these reptiles are known for their broad diet, there are certain plants they find unpalatable. Incorporating these plants into your garden can serve as a natural deterrent, helping to protect other plants that are more susceptible to iguana damage.
This approach not only helps in safeguarding your garden but also contributes to a more balanced ecosystem by reducing the need for chemical repellents and other invasive control measures.
In this blog, we’ll go further into the specifics of the plants that iguanas like to avoid and explore why these particular species are less appealing to these invasive reptiles. We also provide practical tips on how to integrate these plants into your garden effectively, ensuring that your green spaces remain vibrant and iguana-free.
By understanding the preferences and aversions of green iguanas, you can take proactive steps to mitigate their impact on your property and contribute to the broader effort of managing this invasive species.
Few people realize strategic planting is often as effective as other methods of pest control. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, new to the world of horticulture, or simply want to keep these lizards from your yard, this blog will equip you with the knowledge you need to create a resilient and iguana-resistant garden.
From selecting the right plants to implementing strategic landscaping techniques, you’ll find a wealth of information designed to help you thrive in Florida’s unique subtropical climate. Are you ready to discover the plants that can help you reclaim your garden from the clutches of these invasive green iguanas?
Plants Iguanas Dislike
Below is a list of plants which green iguanas have not consumed on any of the properties we maintain. Iguanas tend to avoid plants with certain characteristics such as tough, leathery leaves, toxic sap, or strong scents. Keep in mind, iguanas are extremely resourceful and adapt to changes in their environment very well. They can, and have, altered their diet to adjust for availability of certain food within a local ecosystem.
- Chenille
- Acalypha Hispida
- Cordyline (Cordyline australis)
- Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum)
- Ixora (Ixora Taiwanensis)
- Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
- Mexican Petunia (Ruellia Brittaniana)
- Nerium Oleander
- Purple Queen (Tradescantia Pallida)
- Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus Erectus Sericeus)
- Society Garlic
- Citrus Trees
- Bromeliads
These plants will give your property color and minimize damage from iguanas.
Citrus Trees
Iguanas are known to avoid citrus trees, making them an excellent choice for South Florida gardeners looking to deter these invasive reptiles. Citrus trees, such as orange, lemon, and lime, possess several characteristics that make them unappealing to iguanas. One of the primary deterrents is their thick leaves, which are difficult for iguanas to chew.
Additionally, citrus trees thrive in the sun, creating a bright and exposed environment that iguanas tend to avoid. The presence of white flowers, which often precede the fruiting stage, adds another layer of deterrence, as iguanas usually prefer plants with softer foliage and more accessible food sources.
By incorporating citrus trees that produce flowers into your yard or garden, you can create a natural barrier against iguanas while enjoying the added benefits of fragrant blossoms and delicious fruit. Just be sure you pick up the fruit off the ground once it drops, as this can encourage nuisance pests to visit your property.
Similarly, iguanas generally avoid feeding on bromeliads due to their tough, spiky leaves and sometimes bitter taste.
Plants Iguanas Like
On the other hand, green iguanas love a Hibiscus tree, Bougainvillea, and Orchids (just to mention a few). We do not advocate aggressive removal of expensive plants but do suggest to selectively remove these temptations over time so that eventually they are not available to the iguanas. This can be done over the course of many months so that when you are finished, you have property which does not offer a free “all you can eat” buffet to iguanas.
These steps, along with our products and monitoring service, will reduce/eliminate destructive iguanas from your property.
Often people see croton damaged and blame the iguana. If the damage is in the form of a straight line, then it is not Iguana. Iguana, like all creatures with a curved bite, do not consume plant matter in a straight line; rather, they bite into the matter as you would a slice of pizza and leave the imprint of their curve. It is rare that Iguana consume croton but we have had some reports to this effect.
How to Iguana Proof Your South Florida Yard
Integrating plants that iguanas don’t like into your South Florida yard can be an effective and environmentally friendly strategy to protect your garden from these invasive reptiles. By carefully selecting and strategically planting these species, you can create a landscape that is both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to iguana damage. Here are some practical steps to help you achieve this:
Plant Species to Combat Your Iguana Problem
The first step in creating an iguana-resistant garden is to identify the plants that these reptiles tend to avoid. Once you have identified the plants that iguanas dislike, plan your garden layout to incorporate these species effectively. Consider the following tips:
- Create Borders and Barriers: Use iguana-resistant plants to create borders and barriers around more vulnerable plants. This can help protect your favorite flowers and vegetables by making it more difficult for iguanas to access them.
- Mix and Match: Integrate iguana-resistant plants with other plants to create a diverse and visually appealing garden. Mixing different textures, colors, and heights can also help deter iguanas, as they may be less inclined to navigate through a varied landscape.
- Strategic Placement: Place iguana-resistant plants near entry points, such as fences and garden edges, to deter iguanas from entering your yard. You can also plant them around the base of trees and other structures that iguanas might climb.
Maintain Your Garden
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garden iguana-resistant. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Prune Regularly: Keep your plants well-pruned to maintain their health and appearance. Removing dead or damaged leaves can also make your garden less attractive to iguanas.
- Clean Up Debris: Remove fallen fruits, leaves, and other debris that might attract iguanas to your yard.
- Monitor for Damage: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of iguana damage. If you notice any issues, take action promptly to prevent further harm.
Include Additional Deterrents
In addition to planting iguana-resistant species, consider using other deterrents to keep iguanas out of your yard:
- Physical Barriers: Install fences or mesh screens around vulnerable plants to physically block iguanas from accessing them.
- Repellents: Use natural repellents, such as garlic spray or hot pepper spray, to make your plants less appealing to iguanas.
- Water Features: Iguanas dislike water, so installing motion-activated sprinklers can help deter them from entering your garden.
By integrating plants that iguanas don’t like into your South Florida yard, you can protect your garden from damage while contributing to the broader effort of managing this invasive species. With careful planning and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden that is resilient to the challenges posed by green iguanas.
If these efforts to deter iguanas from your garden prove unsuccessful, it may be time to seek professional assistance. As a licensed wildlife removal company, we can effectively and humanely remove nuisance iguanas, ensuring the protection of your yard, pets, and overall health. By enlisting expert help, you can restore peace to your property and safeguard your cherished grass and soil from these dangerous and annoying pests.
