Help! A Lizard in My House: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Removal
Finding a lizard inside your home can be startling. While most house lizards are harmless and even beneficial by eating insects, their presence can still be unsettling for many. Instead of resorting to harmful methods, this guide provides humane and effective strategies for catching and removing a lizard from your house. This detailed article is designed to equip you with the knowledge and techniques to safely and successfully deal with these unexpected visitors.
Understanding Your Foe: Common House Lizards
Before attempting to catch a lizard, it’s helpful to understand the types you’re likely to encounter. In most parts of the world, common house lizards are small, slender reptiles belonging to the gecko family. They are typically brown, grey, or light green in color and can range in size from a few inches to nearly a foot. These lizards are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, hunting insects attracted to lights.
* **Geckos:** These are the most common house lizards. They have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces, including walls and ceilings. Different gecko species exist depending on your geographical location, with the Common House Gecko being one of the most widespread.
* **Skinks:** Although less common inside homes, skinks sometimes wander indoors. They have smooth, shiny scales and are typically brown or grey. They are more terrestrial than geckos and prefer to hide under objects.
* **Anoles:** In some regions, especially in the southeastern United States, anoles might find their way inside. These lizards are known for their ability to change color, ranging from green to brown.
It is crucial to identify the lizard, especially if you are in an area with potentially harmful lizards. This guide primarily focuses on methods for catching and removing common, non-venomous house lizards like geckos, which are the most frequently encountered.
Safety First: Precautions Before You Begin
Your safety and the lizard’s well-being are paramount. Before attempting to catch a lizard, keep these precautions in mind:
* **Avoid Direct Contact:** While most house lizards are harmless, it’s best to avoid direct contact. They may bite if they feel threatened, although their bite is usually not painful and doesn’t transmit diseases. However, it’s always better to be cautious.
* **Wear Gloves:** If you anticipate having to handle the lizard, wear gloves to protect yourself from potential bacteria or parasites, even though the risk is low.
* **Supervise Children and Pets:** Keep children and pets away from the area where you’re trying to catch the lizard. Their presence can stress the lizard and make it more difficult to capture.
* **Gentle Handling:** Handle the lizard gently to avoid injuring it. Rough handling can cause stress and even physical harm.
* **Know Your Local Species:** If you are unsure of the lizard species and whether it is potentially dangerous, contact your local wildlife authorities for assistance instead of attempting to catch it yourself.
Effective Strategies for Catching a Lizard
Now, let’s explore several methods you can use to catch a lizard inside your house. Choose the strategy that best suits your situation and comfort level.
1. The Cardboard Box Trap: A Simple and Humane Method
This method is relatively simple and minimizes stress to the lizard. It involves using a cardboard box to trap the lizard against a wall or other surface.
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* A cardboard box (slightly larger than the lizard)
* A piece of sturdy cardboard or a book (to act as a lid)
**Steps:**
1. **Locate the Lizard:** Carefully observe the lizard’s movements to determine its location. Be patient; lizards can be quick and elusive.
2. **Approach Slowly:** Once you’ve located the lizard, approach it slowly and deliberately. Sudden movements can scare it away.
3. **Position the Box:** Gently place the open end of the cardboard box over the lizard, trapping it against the wall or floor. Make sure the box is flush against the surface to prevent the lizard from escaping.
4. **Slide the Lid:** Carefully slide the piece of cardboard or book under the box to create a bottom, effectively sealing the lizard inside.
5. **Secure the Box:** Hold the lid firmly in place to prevent the lizard from escaping. You can also use tape to secure the lid further.
6. **Release the Lizard:** Take the box outside, away from your house. Gently remove the lid and allow the lizard to escape. Release it in a safe location, such as a garden or wooded area.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Patience is Key:** Lizards are fast and can be difficult to catch. Be patient and persistent.
* **Use a Large Enough Box:** Choose a box that is large enough to comfortably accommodate the lizard without injuring it.
* **Avoid Sudden Movements:** Make slow, deliberate movements to avoid scaring the lizard.
* **Check Regularly:** If you set up the box as a trap, check it regularly (every few hours) to ensure the lizard doesn’t get stressed or dehydrated.
2. The Jar Method: A Variation on the Box Trap
This method is similar to the cardboard box trap, but it uses a jar instead. It works best for smaller lizards.
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* A glass jar (large enough to accommodate the lizard)
* A piece of cardboard or a lid
**Steps:**
1. **Locate the Lizard:** Find the lizard, just like in the previous method.
2. **Approach Carefully:** Approach the lizard slowly and cautiously.
3. **Position the Jar:** Gently place the open end of the jar over the lizard, trapping it against the wall or floor.
4. **Slide the Cardboard:** Carefully slide a piece of cardboard between the jar and the surface to trap the lizard inside.
5. **Secure the Cardboard:** Hold the cardboard firmly in place.
6. **Release Outdoors:** Take the jar outside and release the lizard in a suitable location.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use a Clear Jar:** A clear jar allows you to see the lizard and ensure it’s not injured.
* **Choose the Right Size:** Select a jar that’s large enough to comfortably hold the lizard but not so large that it can easily escape before you can trap it.
* **Be Gentle:** Avoid bumping or shaking the jar, as this can stress the lizard.
3. The Towel Method: A Gentle Capture Technique
This method is ideal for gently capturing a lizard without directly touching it. It uses a soft towel to scoop up the lizard.
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* A soft towel (preferably an old one)
**Steps:**
1. **Locate the Lizard:** Find the lizard and observe its movements.
2. **Approach Slowly:** Approach the lizard slowly and quietly.
3. **Drape the Towel:** Gently drape the towel over the lizard. The darkness and soft texture will often encourage the lizard to stay still.
4. **Scoop It Up:** Quickly but gently scoop up the lizard with the towel.
5. **Carry Outside:** Carry the towel outside to a suitable release location.
6. **Release Carefully:** Gently unwrap the towel, allowing the lizard to escape.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Use a Soft Towel:** A soft towel will minimize the risk of injuring the lizard.
* **Be Quick and Decisive:** The key to this method is to be quick and decisive when draping and scooping up the lizard.
* **Avoid Squeezing:** Do not squeeze the towel tightly, as this can injure the lizard.
* **Choose a Suitable Release Location:** Release the lizard in a safe location with plenty of cover, such as a garden or wooded area.
4. The Sticky Trap (Use with Caution): A Last Resort Method
Sticky traps, also known as glue traps, can be effective for catching lizards, but they should be used with caution. These traps consist of a cardboard or plastic base covered with a sticky adhesive. When a lizard walks onto the trap, it becomes stuck.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Humane Concerns:** Sticky traps can be inhumane, as the lizard can suffer and struggle to escape. If you use a sticky trap, check it frequently (at least every few hours) to minimize the lizard’s suffering. Consider using a trap designed for insects rather than rodents, as these often have less adhesive and may be less harmful.
* **Non-Target Animals:** Sticky traps can also catch other animals, such as insects, birds, and small mammals. Be mindful of this when placing the traps.
* **Removal:** Removing a lizard from a sticky trap can be difficult and stressful for both you and the lizard. You may need to use vegetable oil to dissolve the adhesive.
**If you choose to use a sticky trap, follow these steps:**
1. **Placement:** Place the sticky trap in an area where you’ve seen the lizard, such as near walls, under furniture, or along baseboards.
2. **Check Regularly:** Check the trap frequently (every few hours) to see if a lizard has been caught.
3. **Removal (If Necessary):** If you find a lizard stuck to the trap, carefully pour vegetable oil around the lizard’s body to dissolve the adhesive. Gently work the lizard free. This process can take time and patience.
4. **Release:** Once the lizard is free, release it outside in a safe location. Monitor the lizard for any signs of injury or distress.
**Alternatives to Sticky Traps:**
Consider using the other methods described in this guide before resorting to sticky traps. These methods are generally more humane and less likely to harm the lizard or other animals.
5. The Professional Help: When to Call an Expert
In some situations, it’s best to call a professional pest control service or wildlife removal expert. This is especially true if:
* **You are uncomfortable handling the lizard.**
* **The lizard is large or aggressive.**
* **You are unable to identify the lizard and suspect it may be venomous.**
* **You have a large infestation of lizards in your home.**
* **You have tried other methods without success.**
A professional can safely and humanely remove the lizard from your home and provide advice on preventing future infestations.
Preventing Future Lizard Intrusions: Keeping Lizards Out
Once you’ve successfully removed the lizard, it’s important to take steps to prevent future intrusions. Here are some tips for keeping lizards out of your house:
* **Seal Entry Points:** Inspect your home for cracks, holes, and other openings that lizards could use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk, sealant, or weather stripping.
* **Install Screens:** Make sure all windows and doors have screens that are in good repair. Repair or replace any damaged screens.
* **Reduce Insect Populations:** Lizards are attracted to insects, so reducing insect populations in and around your home can help deter them. This can be achieved by:
* Keeping your home clean and free of food scraps.
* Storing food in airtight containers.
* Using insect repellent.
* Eliminating standing water, which can attract mosquitoes.
* **Trim Vegetation:** Trim bushes and trees that are close to your house. These can provide cover for lizards and make it easier for them to access your home.
* **Reduce Outdoor Lighting:** Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract lizards. Reduce the amount of outdoor lighting you use, or switch to yellow or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects.
* **Clean Gutters:** Regularly clean your gutters to prevent them from becoming clogged with debris. Clogged gutters can provide a breeding ground for insects and attract lizards.
* **Use Lizard Repellents (with caution):** There are several commercial lizard repellents available, but their effectiveness can vary. Some common ingredients in lizard repellents include naphthalene (mothballs), pepper spray, and essential oils like peppermint or clove oil. Use these products with caution, especially if you have children or pets.
Debunking Common Myths About House Lizards
There are several common myths and misconceptions about house lizards. It’s important to separate fact from fiction.
* **Myth: House lizards are poisonous.**
* **Fact:** Most common house lizards are not poisonous or venomous. They are generally harmless to humans.
* **Myth: House lizards can cause diseases.**
* **Fact:** The risk of contracting diseases from house lizards is very low. However, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after handling a lizard or any surface it has touched.
* **Myth: House lizards are dirty and carry germs.**
* **Fact:** While lizards can carry bacteria, the risk of infection is low. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands, can further reduce the risk.
* **Myth: House lizards can damage property.**
* **Fact:** House lizards generally do not cause significant damage to property. However, their droppings can be unsightly.
* **Myth: House lizards are aggressive and will attack humans.**
* **Fact:** House lizards are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. They may bite if they feel threatened, but their bite is usually not painful.
Conclusion: Coexisting Peacefully (or Removing Safely)
While some people are comfortable coexisting with house lizards, others prefer to remove them. This guide has provided you with several humane and effective strategies for catching and removing lizards from your home. Remember to prioritize safety, be patient, and choose the method that best suits your situation. By taking steps to prevent future intrusions, you can create a lizard-free environment in your home. If you are ever unsure or uncomfortable handling a lizard, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance. Remember to always prioritize humane methods and consider the well-being of the lizard.
By understanding these fascinating creatures and implementing the strategies outlined above, you can address the presence of lizards in your home with confidence and compassion.
**Do you have any successful lizard-catching stories? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!**