{"id":459,"date":"2023-07-24T18:59:30","date_gmt":"2023-07-24T18:59:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dg-iguana.com\/?p=459"},"modified":"2023-07-24T19:04:10","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T19:04:10","slug":"trapping-tips-for-invasive-iguanas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dg-iguana.com\/index.php\/2023\/07\/24\/trapping-tips-for-invasive-iguanas\/","title":{"rendered":"Trapping Tips For Invasive Iguanas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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I am often asked about trapping iguanas as a means of removal. I have found that while this is an excellent \u201cthought\u201d it rarely provides consistent results. The critters just don\u2019t want to willingly enter most traps and in many cases, they are poorly set up, camouflaged and baited. I will give you some of my thoughts here but please beware . . . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is against the Florida State LAW to trap an Iguana, transport it OFF your property and release it into some other remote area. Not only is it a major fine, it just helps to propagate an already invasive species. Please don\u2019t do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The law clearly states, you CAN trap them but then you need to kill them on your property. Furthermore, the manner of death has to be humane, which means you cannot freeze them to death or drown them.  Basically you need to club them, cut their heads off like a chicken or shoot them in the head. So if you trap, be ready to finish the job. Or like many of my clients, just call me and I will remove them from your property for you. I do have a Florida State transportation permit – which means I can move them, it also states that I am required to euthanize them immediately upon arriving at my location. The State is serious on their efforts to eradicate these invaders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most live traps are the Floor Panel Design<\/em> with a place to put bait on or near a small floor panel, that when stepped on, will snap close the door behind them via a latch and strong springs. These traps are cheaper in cost, but if the animal does not step on the panel, the door does not close. An Iguana will often come into the trap, take the goodies and leave without triggering it. It also will ONLY catch ONE animal at a time as the door is shut when triggered and you have to remove the lizard and reset the trap for the next one. They are good, but have some limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Floor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Swing Door Trap<\/em> has an angled door on a hinge,  many times with a small weak spring. The Iguana will push it open like an overhead sloping saloon door . . . it easily opens and then swings back. It will ONLY open in one direction. So like the California Hotel, you can check in any time you like, but you can never leave.  This trap also has the ability to trap multiple Iguanas. All that come through the door are welcome to join the party.  Of the two, I prefer the Swing Door trap. Some have swing doors at BOTH ends of the trap like this one pictured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Iguana<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On either trap, it is important to cover the trap with branches, bags and yard litter. When possible place it \u201cInto\u201d the bush or hedge. They like burrows or to hide in heavy shrubs and hedges. So be sure to cover it up and make it feel safer for them to enter your \u201cBurrow Like\u201d trap. Trapping laws require the owner to check the traps every 24 hours – again for humane reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Bait For Trapping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iguanas are Herbivores – As such, bait your trap with the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n