Eco-Warrior Empowers Environmental Sustainability, Takes on Iguana Control Challenge
A pickup truck rolls up to a residential driveway. It’s wrapped in an orange and green scaly design with a row of orange spikes on the roof. At first glance, you might think it’s a prop from a movie set. But if you live in South Florida, you’ll recognize it immediately.
Michael Ronquillo hops out of the truck. He founded Humane Iguana Control to control the green iguana population in South Florida with professional and eco-friendly solutions.
Spy Witness News journalist interviewed Michael over a Zoom call to learn about his family and his future business vision.
A Call From Nature: Michael Sets the Stage
Michael, a native of Miami, grew up near the water and spent his childhood catching sand fleas. Because of this, he feels connected to nature and to the ecosystem of his homeland.
Michael’s entrepreneurial success began with his landscaping company, a lucrative business in South Florida. He specialized in planning, installing, and maintaining outdoor spaces, including residential gardens and commercial properties.
Florida is known for having more elderly residents than many other states. This makes it a popular place for retirement. Florida has many retirement communities that attract retirees from all over the country, including "snowbirds" from Northern states and Canada who come to Florida to avoid the cold winter months.
Gardening is a popular pastime here, benefiting from Florida's warm climate and diverse plant life. The state has a warm climate and diverse plant life, with many types of plants, including tropical and subtropical species. Residents invest substantial amounts in enhancing their gardens, thereby enriching Florida’s ecosystem.
Michael often returned to a property to take care of the landscape, but he would find that valuable plants worth thousands of dollars had been destroyed. The culprits? Invasive iguanas were wreaking havoc. In addition, he frequently found large holes made by iguanas to lay their eggs. This posed a significant safety hazard for the residents.
Michael was profoundly affected by the destructive behavior of these animals. After spending more than ten years taking care of Florida's plants, he felt a strong change, as if his passion was taking him away from landscaping. He began contemplating another venture – pest control – though he remained uncertain. Guided by his spiritual beliefs, Michael kept an open mind, staying vigilant for the signs that would illuminate his path.
The Birth of Humane Iguana Control
The COVID-19 pandemic quickly disrupted the entire world. As a result, Michael's landscaping business considerably slowed down. However, this unexpected turn of events granted Michael with a precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and embrace a deeper connection with his spirituality, opening his mind and heart to receive invaluable spiritual guidance. The sign came in an unexpected way.
As Michael wondered about his possible new business venture, an iguana appeared in front of him. Its hind legs were taped together, a precaution taken when handling them. This one managed to free itself and somehow found its way onto Michael’s path.
Immediately, Michael knew that he was meant to be a part of the solution to managing the iguana problem in Florida. He sold his landscaping business and soon, his new family business Humane Iguana Control was born.
Problem Solving
Michael immersed himself in gaining an understanding of the problem he felt called to solve. Preserving and restoring the ecosystem through pest control became his focus. Michael and his wife, Michelle, are experts on iguana removal despite their business being just 4 years old.
Iguanas can grow up to 20 pounds and as large as 6 feet long. And they breed quickly. An adult female can lay up to 60 eggs.
They munch on plants depleting the food supply for Florida’s native wildlife. They’re also a threat to butterflies, competing for the same food sources. Green iguanas frequently invade, and damage burrows created by protected owls, resulting in unsuccessful breeding and a decrease in the owl population. Also, given their size, iguanas trample and damage plants, shrubs, and trees.
Iguana feces may have harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in both humans and pets. Michael described how they gravitate to backyard swimming pools, with their feces threatening the water quality and posing potential slip-and-fall hazards to vulnerable seniors.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Green iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered an invasive species due to their impacts to native wildlife.” Since 2021, the Commission has included them in the list of prohibited species. This means that only those acquired before April 29, 2021, are allowed for personal possession.
Weathering Storms: Challenges and Triumphs
In the midst of the pandemic uncertainty, Michael and Michelle faced their biggest challenge yet. They made a bold move by selling their landscaping business during this period and going all-in with Humane Iguana Control. Seeing a chance for transformation, they seized the moment to pivot with a united purpose. Guided by their deep sense of a calling and spiritual insight, they embarked on a new venture, turning adversity into triumph.
And this is what they are role-modelling for their kids. Their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit not only revitalized their professional journey but also showcased their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change and uncertainty.
This bold move not only demonstrated their courage, but it also highlighted their innovative approach to problem-solving and their unwavering belief in their mission. Today, they stand as an inspiring example of people who turned a setback into a stepping stone towards success.
The Unique Vision: Michael’s Approach to Elevate South Florida’s Ecosystem
Michael’s goal is to restore the balance of Florida’s ecosystem and to diminish the impact of the invasive iguanas. If their population continues to remain unchecked, the consequences could include disruption to the food chain, native species’ reproductive patterns, and modified habitats of other species.
Humane Iguana Control is committed to providing solutions to Florida residents who have chosen this area for a higher quality of life. Their services include a consultation, a tactical plan, iguana removal, prevention, and maintenance. One of the most unique services they provide is nighttime removal, using state-of-the-art night vision equipment to be able to move around easily in the dark.
Michael explains that iguanas sleep in trees and bushes at night, making it easier to find and capture them, given their bright green colour. This is a huge benefit for properties that have thick ground vegetation. Iguanas are less active at nighttime and are generally slower moving when their body temperature lowers. Nighttime removal may also be less stressful for the iguanas.
Humane Iguana Control's Strategic Expansion
Since the inception of Humane Iguana Control, Michael and his team of experts have been dedicated to safeguarding the delicate ecosystem. Their commitment shines through in their efforts to protect and preserve the natural balance.
Looking ahead, when asked about his vision for the future, Michael envisions broadening their pest control services to include raccoon and python removal. The Burmese python, much like the green iguana, has become a significant invasive species. These snakes, often introduced through the pet trade, have found a thriving environment in the subtropical climate of South Florida. With their predatory instincts, they pose a huge threat to the ecosystem.
Michael and Michelle stand ready to approach challenges with innovative thinking and their ears tuned into the needs of South Florida communities.
Michael and the Ronquillo Family: Leaving a Legacy
As Humane Iguana Control continues to evolve, Michael, Michelle, and their team are positioned to lead the way in responsible wildlife management.
This family-owned business is dedicated to preserving Florida's delicate ecosystem and expanding its pest control services to address new challenges, such as raccoon and python removal, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of South Florida communities.
With a reputation for excellence built on ethical practices, they are setting a standard for businesses in the region. Their dedication to responsible wildlife management has an impact that is not only felt in the present but will resonate for generations to come, leaving a positive and enduring mark on the unique environment and the lives of those who call South Florida home.
As they forge ahead, Michael and Michelle's innovative spirit and unwavering mission promise a future where harmony between native species and the ecosystem flourishes under their care. Remaining open to fresh ideas, they embrace their calling and purpose as guardians of a balanced and healthy natural world. They're creating a future where the local wildlife and the environment can thrive together; leaving a positive mark on the world and on generations to come.
