We had the good fortune of connecting with Pierce Kennamer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pierce, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Many people are unaware just how harmful non-native species, specifically reptiles, are to the state of Florida. With no natural predators to keep the population at bay, the green and spiny-tailed iguana populations have exploded to the point where their population cannot be accurately estimated. The state is now at a major tipping point, where these invasive lizards will irreversibly overwhelm the natural environment and state infrastructure.

Iguanas burrow underground, which is already causing millions of dollars in damage to state infrastructure, such as a water control structure in West Palm Beach where iguana burrows contributed to a $1.8 Million dollar emergency repair. They’ve caused mass power outages in Lake Worth where an iguana damaged the power grid. These problems will only get worse as the populations continue to multiply unchecked.

Many Florida residents don’t know that these lizards pose risks to their homes, through burrowing underneath foundations and even into their roofs. They have attacked and claimed lives of household dogs and cats. Their droppings also contain salmonella, which can find its way into pools. Iguanas also prefer nickernut as a part of their diet, which has caused the decimation of our local Blue butterfly population in Miami-Dade, which uses nickernut as a host plant.

What should our readers know about your business?
IggyTrap of Florida was conceived after watching TV and noticing a news story where Iguanas were being hunted with a pellet gun. Even with this method, populations were still exploding. I concluded that there had to be a more efficient and more effective way to make a lasting reduction in the population.

What sets us apart is our patent-pending iguana trap. Our multi-capture traps can capture anywhere from 1-20 iguanas per unit, while being in operation 24/7/365. With our traps never being out of service, where can ensure constant capture and removal of the local iguana populations. Our traps are designed specifically for reptiles; they have never had a non-target capture (raccoon, opossum, cat, etc.) IggyTrap outperforms all other remediation methods on the market today, and with no guns to be seen, it is far less intrusive for community areas such as parks, HOA’s, and other recreational areas.

It wasn’t an easy process, it took many designs variations and 2 years of research and development to get the trap how we wanted it, and, more importantly, how the the our state needs it to preform. Through development, we’ve learned so much about population centers and iguana behaviors, and are consistently collecting more and more environmental data. I’m excited every day at the mission of being able to make a serious positive difference for our environment and community, and educate the public that these invasive lizard problems are only going to get much worse without the implementation of the most serious and professional remediation program: IggyTrap.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What would a trip to Florida be without a day at the Beach? Crandon beach on Key Biscayne is a gorgeous beach with that crystal clear water that makes our Miami coastline so beautiful. There is no shortage of activities in Miami- from exploring the art in Wynwood to grabbing a cocktail in the design district, I think any visitor is going to enjoy a stay in Miami! One place that is a must go is Fireman Derek’s in Wynwood. The best dessert shop in Florida!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
IggyTrap of Florida is an environmental solutions company that continues to be driven by innovation. We are continuously thinking of new approaches and solutions for environmental problems that are facing our great state. I must recognize the efforts of those who graciously give their minds, mentorship, and time. Thank you to friends who volunteered to help from testing prototypes to doing research, and thank you to my design and manufacturing team for all the work you continue to do. Lizzeth Benavides and Lizz Benavides (Macondo Calle 8 Little Habana)

Website: www.iggytrap.com

Instagram: iggytrapfl

Facebook: IggyTrap of Florida

Image Credits
All images are courtesy of IggyTrap of Florida.

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