Here’s how to handle cold-stunned iguanas that fall from trees as the temperature drops

South Florida – By Wednesday morning, South Florida’s temperatures are predicted to dip, which will also affect the iguanas. Iguanas appear to freeze in place when temperatures fall below 50 degrees, as observed during previous cold spells.

According to expert iguana remover Michael Ronquillo, this is because their metabolism slows down. In chilly weather, cold-blooded reptiles cannot function normally.

“To sleep, they climb the trees, but once they’re up there, they get so cold that they lose their sense of direction and begin to fall from the trees,” Ronquillo stated.

Ronquillo has owned and run the Humane Iguana Control business, which specializes in removal and prevention services, for the past five years. According to Ronquillo, he has killed iguanas up to six feet long and twenty-five pounds in weight. He made his own professional iguana control guide for 2025 because he receives so many calls.

What if you didn’t know there were iguanas up there when you arrived here early in the morning to walk your pets? Ronquillo stated, “They can fall on you, on roofs, and on cars.” “You’ll feel it if it falls on you—a 25-pound, six-foot iguana.”

Ronquillo advises residents who wish to take preventative action to begin with a tree wrapping service, as calls are predicted to rise to as many as 30 per day.

It is breast height when wrapped around your tree. When the iguana climbs up, they are unable to do so because it is so slick, according to Ronquillo.

In order to keep iguanas from falling into your pool or onto your roof, he also advises pruning back trees that are close to your property.

He advises that unless you have knowledge, you should hire a professional to remove any iguanas you come across. However, don’t bring it into your house. It will start moving properly once it has warmed up.

“They will defend themselves if they are cornered.” They’ll make an attempt to tail-whip you. Ronquillo remarked, “They can whip their tales at 30 mph.” “You shouldn’t try to grab them if you don’t have experience because they have extremely sharp teeth and nails.”