How Do I Keep Iguanas From Eating My Plants?

Iguanas are herbivores and will eat most anything green. They especially like hibiscus, dandelions, and other leafy greens. If you have iguanas in your yard, you may find that your plants are being eaten. This can be frustrating, but there are some things you can do to keep iguanas from eating your plants.

Use a Physical Barrier

Using a physical barrier, you can keep iguanas from eating your plants. You can put chicken wire around your plants or use plastic netting. This will create a barrier that iguanas cannot get through.

When using a physical barrier, ensure it is tall enough so that iguanas cannot climb over it. You will also need to bury the barrier a few inches into the ground so that iguanas cannot dig under it. Also, check the barrier regularly to ensure it is intact and not damaged by iguanas.

Use Repellents

There are a few different types of repellents that you can use as a method of iguana control. You can use a commercial repellent, or you can make your own. To make your repellent, use a mixture of water and vinegar. You can also add a few drops of peppermint or citrus oil to the mixture.

Spray the repellent on your plants or around the perimeter of your yard. Repellents must be reapplied after it rains or if the plants are washed. Also, keep in mind that repellents will only work as long as the iguanas can smell them. If you have a large number of iguanas, repellents may not be effective.

Remove Food Sources

Iguanas are attracted to areas where there is food. If you remove food sources, iguanas will be less likely to come into your yard. Keep your trash cans covered and pick up any fallen fruit from trees. Trimming back plants will also help since iguanas like to eat the leaves of plants.

When removing food sources, it is essential not to attract other animals since you will attract iguanas if you put food out for other animals, such as birds, squirrels, or raccoons.

Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Iguanas are scared of water and will avoid areas where they think they may get wet. You can use this to your advantage by using a motion-activated sprinkler. The sprinkler will turn on when the iguana walks by and scare it away.

You can find motion-activated sprinklers at most home improvement stores. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using them. When setting up the sprinkler, ensure it is pointed away from your house and towards the area where iguanas are coming from.

Avoid Attracting Iguanas

There are a few things you can do to avoid attracting iguanas. Keep your yard clean and free of debris. Iguanas like to hide in thick vegetation, so trimming back plants will make your yard less appealing to them.

Another thing you can do is get rid of any standing water in your yard. Iguanas like to drink from puddles, so eliminating sources of water will help keep them away. Ensuring your yard is not attractive to iguanas will help reduce the number of them that come into your yard.

Plant Iguana-Resistant Plants

Iguanas prefer certain types of plants over others. If you plant iguana-resistant plants, they will be less likely to eat your plants. Some iguana-resistant plants include cacti, oleanders, and crotons. Still, ensure these plants are in an inaccessible area to iguanas if you plant them.

Iguanas are a common problem in many areas. By taking a few precautions, you can keep them from eating your plants. Check your yard regularly for iguanas and take action if you see them. If controlling iguanas becomes a problem, you may want to contact a wildlife control company for assistance.

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