Michael Ronquillo | Invasive Iguanas: 70 Eggs & 70-Foot Burrows | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 897

Michael Ronquillo is the founder of Humane Iguana Control, a company that removes invasive iguanas from properties across South Florida, from Key West to Miami and Brickell. In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Ronquillo reveals the shocking scale of South Florida's iguana invasion, explaining how these Central and South American reptiles arrived through the pet trade in the 1960s and have since reproduced at alarming rates. He shares stories about iguanas laying up to 70 eggs at a time in burrows that can reach 70 feet long, the massive damage they cause to homeowners through plant destruction and defecation around pools, and even bizarre cases of iguanas laying eggs on cars and behind AC units. If you're in the Keys or South Florida, this conversation will change how you think about the lizards in your backyard.

How the Iguana Invasion Started in the 1960s

The iguana problem didn't happen overnight. Ronquillo explains that these reptiles, native to Central and South America, were brought to Florida through the pet trade market starting in the 1960s. People loved buying the small, exotic creatures as pets, but there was a problem: iguanas don't stay small. As they grew to their full size, owners faced a difficult choice. Many made the decision to release them into the wild, assuming they'd just blend into Florida's ecosystem. Instead, they thrived. Without natural predators and in a climate that supports year-round breeding, the population exploded. What started as a few released pets has become a full-scale invasion affecting homeowners, businesses, and even cemeteries across South Florida. Ronquillo traces the origin story starting at 3:32.

The Shocking Reproduction Rate: Up to 70 Eggs at Once

One of the most startling revelations in this conversation is just how fast iguanas can multiply. Ronquillo breaks down the breeding cycle: mating season runs from October to December, and then females begin laying eggs from January through May. A single female can lay anywhere from five to 70 eggs in one clutch. They dig elaborate burrows in soft soil—some reaching up to 70 feet long—to protect their eggs. But here's where it gets even more interesting: Ronquillo has encountered situations where desperate females, unable to find suitable burrow locations, have laid eggs in bizarre places. He's seen eggs deposited on top of cars and behind AC units. The desperation and adaptability of these creatures make them exceptionally difficult to control. The full breeding cycle explanation begins at 3:56.

The Damage Iguanas Cause to South Florida Properties

Ronquillo's phone rings constantly with calls from distressed property owners throughout South Florida. He gets contacted by homes, schools, businesses, homeowners associations, and even cemeteries—all dealing with the same problem. Iguanas don't just visit properties; they take over. They devour ornamental plants and landscaping, leaving expensive gardens destroyed. They defecate around pools, creating health hazards and maintenance nightmares. The burrows they dig can undermine foundations, seawalls, and infrastructure. What might seem like a minor nuisance at first quickly escalates into thousands of dollars in damages. Ronquillo has seen it all, from single-family homes overwhelmed by a colony to commercial properties where the iguana population has gotten completely out of control. The types of damage and properties affected are discussed starting at 5:00.

Building a Business Around Iguana Removal

Running Humane Iguana Control requires more than just catching lizards. Ronquillo has built a business that operates across a massive territory, from Key West all the way up to Miami and Brickell. The geographic range alone presents logistical challenges, but there's more to it than that. He's had to learn skills that most wildlife control operators never consider. In this conversation, he mentions that one of the most valuable things he's learned in the past year is how to optimize websites—a critical skill for attracting customers in today's digital marketplace. The business requires understanding animal behavior, property management, customer service, and digital marketing all at once. It's a unique entrepreneurial challenge that Ronquillo has met head-on. His business-building insights start at 6:10.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I wanted to bring Michael on because if you spend any time in the Keys or South Florida, you've seen this problem firsthand. These iguanas are everywhere, and most people don't realize how serious the situation has become. When Michael told me that a single female can lay up to 70 eggs at once, that really drove home the scale of what we're dealing with.

What I found most interesting was hearing about the bizarre situations he encounters—iguanas laying eggs on cars and behind AC units because they're so desperate to find a spot. It shows just how adaptable and persistent these creatures are. If you're a homeowner in South Florida, this conversation will give you a much better understanding of what you're up against.

Michael knows his stuff, and he's built a real business solving a real problem. Whether you're dealing with iguanas yourself or you're just curious about invasive species in Florida, this episode is worth your time. Listen to the whole thing.