Why Iguanas Are a Serious Threat to Homes in Boca Raton and Surrounding Areas

Estate Management & Home Watch Insights for Absentee Homeowners by Safe Home Management

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In Boca Raton and the surrounding areas, iguanas have become one of the most damaging and overlooked threats to residential properties. While many homeowners view iguanas as harmless wildlife, the reality for absentee homeowners, seasonal residents, and estate owners is very different. Iguanas pose significant health risks, property damage, and costly repairs—especially when homes sit vacant for weeks or months.

This is why professional Estate Management and Home Watch services are essential for protecting homes throughout Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, and nearby luxury and country club communities.

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The Growing Iguanas Threat to Homes in Boca Raton and South Florida

South Florida’s warm climate, waterfront properties, and lush landscaping create the perfect environment for iguanas to thrive. In upscale neighborhoods and estate communities, iguanas quickly take over yards, pools, docks, and structural areas when properties are not actively monitored.

For absentee homeowners, the damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe—and expensive. Iguanas Threat to Homes in Boca Raton.

Health Risks from Iguana Droppings and Urine

Iguana feces are a known carrier of Salmonella and harmful bacteria, which can contaminate:

• Pool decks and patios

• Walkways and driveways

• Docks and seawalls

• Lawns and outdoor living spaces

Iguana urine contains ammonia, causing:

• Strong odors

• Staining on concrete and pavers

• Slippery surfaces that increase fall risk

For families, pets, guests, and service providers, this creates a serious health concern—especially at luxury homes and estates.

Structural Damage to Homes and Properties

One of the most dangerous aspects of iguana activity is burrowing.

Iguanas commonly dig:

• Under foundations

• Beneath pool decks and patios

• Along seawalls and retaining walls

• Near irrigation systems and underground utilities

Over time, these burrows undermine soil stability, leading to cracks, sinking pavers, and even structural compromise. This type of damage is especially common in waterfront estates in Boca Raton and surrounding coastal areas.

Damage to Screen Enclosures and Pool Cages

Screen enclosures and lanais are prime targets for iguanas.

They:

• Climb and tear screen mesh

• Bend aluminum framing

• Nest inside enclosures

• Leave droppings throughout the space

Screen and pool cage repairs can easily cost thousands of dollars, particularly when damage is not caught early through routine Home Watch inspections.

Landscaping and Backyard Destruction

Iguanas are aggressive herbivores and can destroy landscaping quickly.

Common damage includes:

• Stripped plants and shrubs

• Destroyed flower beds

• Damaged palm roots

• Collapsed soil and irrigation lines

Many homeowners mistake this damage for poor landscaping or disease, when iguanas are the real cause.

Pool and Water Feature Contamination

Iguanas are attracted to water and frequently:

• Defecate in pools and spas

• Contaminate fountains and water features

• Sit on steps and ledges

This leads to increased chemical use, pool shutdowns, and potential health risks for anyone using the pool.

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Why Absentee Homeowners Are Most at Risk

For absentee homeowners and seasonal residents in Boca Raton and surrounding areas, iguana problems escalate rapidly because:

• No daily activity to deter wildlife

• Burrows go unnoticed

• Droppings accumulate

• Damage worsens quietly over time

  
  

Without professional Estate Management and Home Watch services, iguana damage often becomes extensive before it is discovered.

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How Estate Management & Home Watch Protect Your Property

At Safe Home Management, our Estate Management and Home Watch services in Boca Raton and surrounding areas are designed to detect and address iguana activity early.

Our inspections include:

• Checking yards, foundations, and seawalls for burrows

• Inspecting pool decks, patios, and screen enclosures

• Identifying droppings, nesting areas, and damage

• Providing detailed photo reports to absentee homeowners

Early detection prevents small issues from turning into major repairs.

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Professional Iguana Removal — Coordinated for You

Safe Home Management works exclusively with vetted and insured wildlife removal vendors who handle iguana removal legally, humanely, and in compliance with Florida regulations.

We handle:

• Coordinating professional removal

• Managing vendor access

• Monitoring follow-up activity

• Coordinating repairs if damage is found

Homeowners never need to manage permits, vendors, or compliance—we handle it all as part of our Estate Management services.

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The Cost of Ignoring Iguana Damage

Unaddressed iguana activity can lead to:

• Landscaping repairs: $2,000–$10,000+

• Screen enclosure repairs

• Pool deck and patio restoration

• Seawall and foundation remediation

Most insurance policies do not cover iguana damage, making prevention critical.

Proactive Protection Is the Smart Choice

The best way to protect your property in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas is through:

• Regular Home Watch inspections

• Early detection of iguana activity

• Professional, insured removal

• Ongoing Estate Management oversight

This proactive approach protects both your home and long-term investment.

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Conclusion: Protect Your Boca Raton Home Before Iguanas Cause Damage

Even the newest contemporary homes in:

• Boca Raton

• Highland Beach

• Palm Beach Island

• Delray Beach

• Country club communities

…can be retrofitted with:

• Hidden bookcase doors

• Secret hall entrances

• Concealed wall panels

• Soundproof club rooms

• Basement or attic retreats

• Private cigar or whiskey lounges

• Panic rooms that double as speakeasy-style spaces

  
  

And the best part: These upgrades significantly boost luxury appeal.

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Conclusion: Modern Homes Are Beautiful—But Classic Homes Had Soul

Iguanas are not just an inconvenience—they are a serious threat to homes in Boca Raton and surrounding areas, especially for absentee homeowners. With professional Estate Management and Home Watch services from Safe Home Management, your property is continuously monitored, protected, and professionally managed.

From inspections to coordinating vetted and insured iguana removal vendors, we ensure your home remains safe, clean, and structurally sound—even when you’re not here.

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Service Areas

We proudly serve Boca Raton and surrounding areas, including Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Gulf Stream, Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge, and nearby luxury and country club communities.

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