The freeze thinned South Florida's iguanas. Experts say the invasive reptiles are rebounding fast

Just months after a South Florida cold snap left thousands of invasive iguanas stunned and sluggish, making them easier for wildlife removal crews to capture and euthanize, experts say the reptiles have quickly rebounded and are once again causing problems for homeowners across the region.

Blake Wilkins, owner of Redline Iguana Removal, said February's unusually cold temperatures temporarily reduced iguana populations across South Florida, but the reprieve was short-lived as the reptiles emerged from breeding season and new hatchlings began appearing.

For Hollywood resident Mary Alex, the battle has lasted more than a decade.

For 14 years, Alex says she's dealt with iguanas invading her property, destroying plants and even making their way into her home. She recalls one appearing in her toilet.

"They are nasty, ugly, I can't stand them," Alex said.

The reptiles have devastated her landscaping, she said, eating orchids, bougainvillea and other flowering plants throughout her yard.

"I got rid of them because they ate all of it," she said.

South Florida homeowners report growing iguana problems

Alex believes the problem extends beyond her garden. She said iguanas have burrowed beneath her backyard fence and around her pool patio, raising concerns that their tunnels could be weakening parts of her property.

"I pay a company two to three times a year for removal," Alex said. "They come back. The damage gets worse and worse."

Wildlife removal experts say stories like Alex's are becoming increasingly common across South Florida.

"Every time this time of year there's a huge explosion because they are done breeding and lay their eggs in April," Wilkins said.

According to Wilkins, a single female iguana can lay up to 70 eggs, fueling rapid population growth.

Experts explain why iguana populations are rebounding

Wilkins said he's also seeing more spiny-tailed iguanas in parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Unlike the more common green iguana, he said spiny-tailed iguanas can be more aggressive and are capable of biting.

"The spiny can burrow 80 feet," Wilkins said. "They can cause roof damage, plant damage and droppings."

Experts recommend removing food sources that attract iguanas, including fallen fruit from mango and other fruit trees. Homeowners should also seal openings and potential nesting areas around their properties to make them less attractive to the reptiles.

For Alex, the fight against iguanas has become a constant and costly challenge.

While she continues paying for removal services, she says she would like to see more action from local governments and state leaders to address the growing issue.

"I wish there was a plan," Alex said. "I don't know if they consider it a problem."