How To Catch A Lizard In Your Home

Discovering an uninvited lizard in your abode can be an unsettling experience. These elusive creatures can slither into homes through tiny cracks or open doors, leaving you wondering how to effectively capture and remove them without causing harm. While the prospect of catching a lizard may seem daunting, it is possible with the right approach and a few simple tools. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the realm of lizard capture, providing you with step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and safety precautions to ensure a successful and humane encounter.

Before embarking on your lizard-catching mission, it is essential to understand the nature of these reptiles and their typical behaviors. Lizards are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they often seek refuge in warm, sunny spots such as windowsills, basements, and attics. Additionally, lizards are typically active during the day, making them easier to spot and capture in the morning or afternoon. By understanding these characteristics, you can increase your chances of successfully catching a lizard in your home.

Now that you are familiar with the habits of lizards, let us delve into the practical steps involved in catching one without causing harm. The first step is to gather a few essential tools. You will need a clear plastic container with a lid, a soft cloth or towel, and a pair of tongs or a long-handled spoon. Once you have assembled your tools, proceed cautiously towards the lizard, avoiding any sudden movements that may startle it. Slowly lower the clear plastic container over the lizard, making sure to cover it completely. Once the lizard is inside the container, gently slide the lid in place to secure it. Remember, the key to a successful capture is patience and a calm demeanor.

Signs of a Lizard Presence

Lizards are common household pests that can be found in all parts of the world. While they are generally harmless, they can be a nuisance and can spread diseases. If you think you may have a lizard problem, there are a few things you can look for:

Dropped skin

Lizards shed their skin regularly, so if you see small, translucent pieces of skin around your home, it could be a sign that you have a lizard. Lizards typically shed their skin in one piece, so if you see multiple pieces of skin, it is more likely that you have multiple lizards.

Feces

Lizard feces are small, dark, and pellet-shaped. They are often found in areas where lizards hide, such as under furniture or in closets. Lizard feces can also be a health hazard, as they can contain bacteria and parasites.

Eggs

Some lizards lay eggs, so if you see small, white eggs in your home, it could be a sign that you have a lizard problem. Lizard eggs are typically laid in warm, moist places, such as under rocks or in mulch.

Table of Common Lizard species and their signs of presence

Species	Signs of Presence
House Gecko	Dropped skin, feces, eggs
Green Anole	Dropped skin, feces
Iguana	Large droppings, shed skin

Safety Precautions

Catching a lizard in your home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to take some safety precautions first. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Use caution when approaching the lizard.

Lizards can be fast and elusive, so it’s important to approach them slowly and carefully. Avoid making sudden movements that could startle them, and be prepared to catch them if they try to escape.

Protect your hands and feet.

Lizards have sharp claws and teeth, so it’s important to protect your hands and feet when handling them. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes, and be careful not to get too close to their mouths or claws.

Do not harm the lizard.

Lizards are harmless creatures, and there is no reason to harm them. If you are successful in catching one, release it back into the wild as soon as possible. Do not keep it as a pet, as it is illegal to do so in many areas.

Be aware of other hazards.

In addition to the lizard itself, there may be other hazards to watch out for when catching a lizard in your home. These could include broken glass, sharp objects, or other animals. Be sure to assess the situation before you begin, and take steps to minimize any potential risks.

Identifying the Lizard Species

Determining the species of lizard in your home is crucial for selecting the appropriate removal method. Here are some key characteristics to help you identify them:

Appearance:

Size: Lizards range in size from tiny geckos to large monitors.
Color: Lizards exhibit a wide range of colors, from green to brown to black.
Body shape: Lizards have various body shapes, including slender, robust, or flattened.
Tail shape: Some lizards have long, thin tails, while others have shorter, thicker tails.

Behavior:

Observing the lizard’s behavior can also aid in identification:

Activity pattern: Lizards can be diurnal (active during the day), nocturnal (active at night), or crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn).
Climbing ability: Some lizards are excellent climbers, while others are primarily ground-dwelling.
Vocalizations: Certain lizard species may produce sounds, such as chirping or croaking.

Habitat:

Identifying the lizard’s preferred habitat can provide clues about its species:

Indoor vs. outdoor: Some species are primarily indoor residents, while others are typically found outside.
Preferred hiding spots: Lizards may hide under furniture, in closets, or in vegetation.
Moisture requirements: Some lizards require access to water or humid environments, while others can tolerate drier conditions.

Feature	Possible Species
Small, green with adhesive toe pads	Gecko (e.g., house gecko, Mediterranean gecko)
Larger, brown with a thick body	Skink (e.g., blue-tongued skink, alligator lizard)
Long, slender with a keeled back	Snake lizard (e.g., western slender glass lizard)
Black, iridescent with a flattened head	Common chameleon
Orange or yellow with black stripes	Salamander (e.g., eastern tiger salamander)

Relocating the Lizard Safely

Once you’ve captured the lizard, it’s important to relocate it safely. Here are the steps to do it humanely and effectively:

1. Choose a suitable release site. The ideal release site is a natural habitat that provides the lizard with shelter, food, and water. Avoid releasing the lizard in areas with heavy human activity or predators.

2. Transport the lizard. Place the lizard in a secure container, such as a cardboard box with air holes or a plastic storage bin. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the lizard without overcrowding or restricting its movement.

3. Keep the lizard calm. Cover the container with a cloth to create a dark and sheltered environment, which will help keep the lizard calm during transport.

4. Release the lizard. Take the container to the release site and carefully open the lid. Allow the lizard to crawl out at its own pace and explore its new surroundings.

5. Monitor the lizard. If possible, observe the lizard for a few minutes to ensure that it is adjusting well to its new environment and has not become prey for other animals.

Handling Injured Lizards

If the lizard is injured, it may require medical attention. Contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Do not attempt to treat the lizard yourself, as improper care can worsen the injury.

Injury Type	Symptoms
Broken bones	Deformity, swelling, pain
Lacerations	Open wounds, bleeding
Burns	Redness, blistering, peeling
Poisoning	Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors

Preventing Further Invasions

Once you’ve successfully caught and released the lizard, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to prevent future invasions. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Inspect Entry Points

Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior, particularly around windows, doors, and any potential entry points. Seal up any cracks or holes with caulk or weatherstripping to block lizards from entering.

2. Cut Off Food Sources

Lizards primarily feed on insects and other small creatures. Eliminate their food sources by regularly cleaning up your yard, removing pet food, and sealing up garbage cans tightly.

3. Eliminate Hiding Spots

Lizards seek cover in dark, sheltered areas. Remove piles of wood, debris, and overgrown vegetation around your home to minimize their hiding spots.

4. Use Repellents

Certain scents can repel lizards. Place mothballs, cinnamon sticks, or peppermint oil around entry points to deter them from entering your home.

5. Maintain a Cat

Cats are natural predators of lizards. The presence of a cat in your home can effectively discourage lizard infestations.

6. Set Traps and Baits

If all else fails, you may consider using live traps or baits to catch the remaining lizards. Place these traps in areas where lizards are commonly sighted.

7. Maintain Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning and removing clutter both inside and outside your home can reduce the likelihood of attracting and harboring lizards. Keep floors, surfaces, and yard areas clean to prevent lizard invasions.

By following these preventive measures, you can effectively reduce the chances of future lizard infestations in your home.

Lizard Repellents
Mothballs
Cinnamon sticks
Peppermint oil

Professional Assistance

If you are unable to catch the lizard yourself, or if it is a large or dangerous species, it is best to call a professional. There are many companies that specialize in wildlife removal, and they will be able to safely and humanely remove the lizard from your home.

Here are some tips for choosing a professional wildlife removal company:

Consideration	Recommended
Experience	Choose a company that has been in business for several years and has a good reputation.
Licensing and insurance	Make sure the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or injuries.
Methods	Ask the company about the methods they use to remove lizards. Humane methods are always preferred.
Cost	Get quotes from several companies before making a decision.

Once you have chosen a professional wildlife removal company, they will come to your home and assess the situation. They will then develop a plan to remove the lizard safely. The plan may involve using traps, repellents, or a combination of both.

Professional wildlife removal services can be expensive, but they are often the best option if you are unable to catch the lizard yourself. They will be able to safely and humanely remove the lizard from your home, and they will also be able to provide advice on how to prevent lizards from entering your home in the future.