How To Catch Iguanas

Are you tired of dealing with the infestation of iguanas on your property? Here is how to catch iguanas. These fast and agile creatures can be quite elusive, making them difficult to catch.

With the right methods and some patience, you can trap and remove iguanas from your property. In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to catch iguanas safely and effectively.

 

Understanding Iguanas’ Behavior and Habitat

Let’s learn about iguanas! This knowledge will help you identify the best locations and techniques for trapping them. Iguanas are most active during the day, especially in sunny areas where they can soak up the warm sun.

You can find them near water, where they like to rest on rocks or branches. When approaching iguanas, be careful. They startle easily and can run away quickly if they feel scared.

To catch them, you will have to move slowly and quietly to avoid scaring them away. This will improve your chances of catching them.

 

How To Catch Iguanas

1. Hand-Catching Iguanas

If you feel comfortable handling iguanas safely, catching them by hand can work well. Just be careful because iguanas can bite.

To catch one by hand, approach from behind and hold it gently but firmly by the head and neck.

This grip will prevent it from turning and biting you. Put on gloves to keep yourself safe from getting hurt.

 

2. Using a Net to Catch Iguanas

If catching an iguana by hand is hard for you or you want a safer method, try using a net. Pick a net with small holes that won’t hurt the iguana but stops it from getting away.

Approach quietly and quickly, then gently put the net over the iguana, being careful not to hurt it. Once it’s in the net, move it to a safe container like a box or cage.

 

3. Live Cage Traps for Iguanas

Live cage traps are a popular and humane way of catching iguanas. These traps are made to attract iguanas with bait while keeping them safe.

When choosing a live cage trap, pick one that’s strong enough to handle an iguana’s strength. Put the trap in places where iguanas go often, like near where they like to sunbathe or eat.

To make the trap work better, use bait that iguanas really like. Fruits like bananas and mangoes have a strong smell that attracts iguanas.

Put the bait inside the trap, and when the iguana goes in to eat, the trap will close by itself, keeping the iguana safe until you can move or let it go.

 

4. Catch Poles for Professional Trappers

Catch poles are special tools used by professional trappers to catch iguanas without hurting them or themselves. These are long metal rods that can be extended and have a wire loop or noose at the end.

Trappers use these to gently put the loop around the iguana’s neck from a safe distance. This method needs skill and should only be done by experienced people who know how to use the equipment right.

Once the iguana is caught, you have to move it to a safe container or cage immediately to keep it from getting hurt. Wear gloves when taking the iguana off the catch pole to avoid bites or scratches.

It’s best to get help from professional trappers for this method to make sure both the trapper and the iguana stay safe.

 

Read also: What Does Iguanas Eat?

 

Baiting Techniques for Iguana Trapping

Now that you know the different methods of catching iguanas, let’s talk about why baiting is important and the different baiting options available for you.

What Foods Attract Iguanas?

Iguanas are herbivores and have specific dietary preferences. To catch them in traps, you need to use bait they like to lure them. Some foods that attract iguanas are:

1. Fruits: Iguanas really like fruits like bananas, mangoes, strawberries, watermelons, grapes, and papayas. These fruits have strong smells that can attract iguanas even from far away.

2. Vegetables: Although fruits are their favorite, iguanas also eat certain vegetables. Squash, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, collards, lettuce, and beets are some vegetables you can use as bait for iguana traps.

Use ripe, non-citrus fruits for bait because iguanas don’t like citrus smells. Put the bait carefully inside the trap or near the entrance to attract the iguana to come in and check it out.

 

Common Iguana Traps and Their Effectiveness

When it comes to iguana traps, several options are available, each with its own advantages and effectiveness. Let’s check out some common iguana traps:

1. Live Cage Traps: These traps are made with a one-way door that lets iguanas go in but not out. They work really well when baited right and put in places where iguanas go often. They’re a safe and kind way to trap and move iguanas.

2. Repeating Reptile Cages: These are bigger traps that can catch many iguanas at once. They usually have spots where you can put bait, which makes them even more attractive to iguanas. They’re good for catching a lot of iguanas on your property.

3. Catch Poles: Catch poles, like I mentioned before, are special tools used by professional trappers. They are effective for catching one iguana at a time without hurting it. But it’s really important to know what you’re doing when you use them to keep both the trapper and the iguana safe.

 

Read also:Iguana as Pets | Which Breed is Preferable as Pets?

 

More on How to Catch Iguana

This video shows how you can effectively catch iguanas

Conclusion

Catching iguanas can be tough, but it’s possible with the right methods and tools. Whether you hand-catch, use a net, set up live cage traps, or use catch poles, always think about safety for you and the iguanas.

Handle iguanas gently, wear protective gear, and use humane practices. Understand their behavior, use the right bait, and choose the best trapping method to get rid of these invasive reptiles from your property.

If you’re not sure or uncomfortable with trapping iguanas, get help from professional trappers who know how to do it safely. With this guide, you’re ready to catch and control iguanas on your property. Good luck!