Iguana Control
While iguanas may seem harmless at first glance, these invasive reptiles pose serious risks to our environment, our homes, and even public safety.
Why Iguanas Are a Problem
- Erosion & Landscaping Damage: Iguanas dig large burrows along seawalls, sidewalks, and building foundations. These burrows can cause erosion and weaken infrastructure.
- Vegetation Loss: They feed on flowers, shrubs, and fruits, destroying landscaping and native plants that protect against erosion and provide food and shelter for native wildlife.
- Droppings & Health Risks: Iguana droppings can accumulate quickly on docks, patios, and walkways. These droppings carry bacteria such as Salmonella that can pose health risks to people and pets.
- Impact on Native Wildlife: Iguanas compete with and displace native species, further upsetting the island’s delicate ecosystem.
Why Charlotte County Hired an Iguana Removal Specialist
The iguana population here has reached a point where it can no longer be managed by occasional volunteer efforts. A professional iguana control specialist—sometimes called an “iguana hunter”—has the training, tools, and licensing to safely and humanely reduce the population. This action is necessary to protect our infrastructure, native plants and animals, and overall quality of life on the island.
We know that managing wildlife can be a sensitive subject. Please understand that this step was taken after careful consideration and with the goal of preserving the island we all cherish. The removal process follows humane and legal guidelines as outlined by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our island safe, healthy, and beautiful.
Request Iguana Removal
If you’d like to have iguanas removed from your property, you need to 12A Blank USDA Iguana and return it to nicholas.armstrong@usda.gov. This service is free.
Below are some tips for filling out the form:
- Box #2 Check the box NEW
- Box #3 Check the box PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Box #4 Your name
- Box #5 Mailing address
- Box #7 Phone number
- Box #10 Property address/addresses (If there is not enough room continue to Box #19)
- Box #11 Under Acres – Input the accurate or estimated acreage
- Box #19 Any other property addresses
- Box #20A Print your name
- Box #20B Sign
- Box #20C Date
Some people have questions about the components listed in Section 4. Here’s more details:
- Block A – Traps, Cages = Live cage traps similar to a common Raccoon trap
- Block B – Vehicles (All) = This allows me onto your property to park if needed with my Truck/UTV/ATV. I will not drive all over the property and cause damage.
- Block C – Hand Tools = These aid me in setting traps. Examples are Shovel, rake, machete
- Block D – Pneumatics = This is a Pellet Rifle (Air Rifle), used to humanely dispatch iguanas.
- Block E – Firearms = This is a means of dispatching iguanas that are outside of the traps. The rifle used is a 22-caliber rifle shooting a snake shot. The average range is approximately 10-15 yds.
Nick’s Perspective on Safety:
“Safety is my number one goal, especially with firearms. I will not take a shot unless I am absolutely certain that I identified my target and know what is beyond it in case of a ricochet or bullet pass through. I do not want to damage any property or cause a safety hazard. It is better to not take the risk and let the iguana live, then to perform an unsafe act.”
If you have questions, feel free to call, text or email Nick directly:
Nick Armstrong
Wildlife Specialist
352-727-0973
nicholas.armstrong@usda.gov
Nick Armstrong
Wildlife Specialist
352-727-0973
nicholas.armstrong@usda.gov
