How to Catch and Care for a Common House Lizard: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping a common house lizard as a pet might seem unusual, but these small reptiles can be fascinating and low-maintenance companions. While it’s important to consider the ethical implications and ensure you can provide a suitable habitat before capturing one, this guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely catch a house lizard and how to care for it properly.

**Disclaimer:** Before attempting to catch a house lizard, be aware of local regulations regarding wildlife. In some areas, it may be illegal to capture or keep wild animals, even common ones. Also, consider the lizard’s well-being. Catching and keeping a wild animal can be stressful for the creature. Only proceed if you are genuinely committed to providing a healthy and enriching environment for it.

## I. Catching a Common House Lizard

Catching a house lizard requires patience, observation, and gentle techniques. Avoid using harsh methods that could harm the lizard.

**A. Understanding Lizard Behavior:**

Before you start, take some time to observe the lizards in your home or garden. Understanding their behavior will significantly increase your chances of success.

* **Habitat:** House lizards typically inhabit warm, sheltered areas with access to food (insects). Look for them near walls, ceilings, windows, under furniture, and around light sources (which attract insects).
* **Activity Patterns:** They are most active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon. They bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
* **Escape Routes:** Lizards are quick and agile. They will typically dart for the nearest hiding spot when threatened. Identify potential escape routes before you attempt to catch one.
* **Diet:** House lizards are insectivores, primarily feeding on small insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, and spiders.

**B. Methods for Catching a House Lizard:**

Here are several methods you can use to catch a house lizard, ranked from the least to most invasive:

1. **The Cup and Cardboard Method (Recommended):**

This is the safest and most humane method. It relies on trapping the lizard without direct contact.

* **Materials:**

* A clear plastic cup or container (large enough to cover the lizard).
* A piece of stiff cardboard or thick paper (slightly larger than the cup’s opening).
* **Procedure:**

1. **Approach Slowly:** Carefully approach the lizard, avoiding sudden movements that might scare it.
2. **Position the Cup:** Slowly place the cup over the lizard, trapping it against the wall or floor.
3. **Slide the Cardboard:** Gently slide the cardboard underneath the cup, trapping the lizard inside.
4. **Secure the Cardboard:** Hold the cardboard firmly against the cup to prevent the lizard from escaping.
5. **Lift and Transfer:** Carefully lift the cup and cardboard, keeping the cardboard firmly in place. You can now transfer the lizard to its new enclosure (see section II).

2. **The Net Method:**

This method involves using a small net to capture the lizard. It requires more dexterity and can be stressful for the lizard if not done carefully.

* **Materials:**

* A small, fine-mesh net (like a butterfly net or a small aquarium net).
* **Procedure:**

1. **Approach Slowly:** Approach the lizard slowly and cautiously.
2. **Position the Net:** Carefully position the net behind the lizard, being ready to scoop it up quickly.
3. **Swiftly Scoop:** With a swift, smooth motion, scoop the net over the lizard.
4. **Secure the Net:** Immediately close the net opening to prevent the lizard from escaping.
5. **Transfer Carefully:** Gently transfer the lizard from the net into its enclosure. Be careful not to injure the lizard while handling it.

3. **The Sticky Trap (Not Recommended):**

While sticky traps (like those used for insects or rodents) can be effective in catching lizards, they are **not recommended** due to the risk of injury and stress to the animal. The lizard can become stuck to the glue and struggle to free itself, potentially causing damage to its skin, limbs, or even death. If you find a lizard stuck to a sticky trap, try to gently remove it using vegetable oil or mineral oil to dissolve the adhesive. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance if the lizard is injured.

**C. Important Considerations During Capture:**

* **Be Gentle:** Avoid squeezing or handling the lizard roughly. Their bodies are delicate.
* **Minimize Stress:** The catching process can be stressful for the lizard. Try to minimize the time it spends in captivity before being transferred to its enclosure.
* **Avoid Direct Contact (If Possible):** Direct handling can stress the lizard and potentially transmit diseases. Use the cup and cardboard method whenever possible.
* **Wash Your Hands:** Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a lizard, even if you didn’t touch it directly. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.

## II. Setting Up a Suitable Habitat

Providing the right environment is crucial for the health and well-being of your pet house lizard. A well-designed habitat will mimic its natural surroundings and allow it to thrive.

**A. Enclosure:**

* **Size:** The size of the enclosure will depend on the size of the lizard. A 10-gallon aquarium or a similar-sized plastic container is generally suitable for a single adult house lizard. Larger enclosures are always better.
* **Material:** Glass aquariums or plastic containers are suitable options. Ensure the enclosure is secure to prevent escape. A screen lid is essential for ventilation and security.
* **Cleaning:** The enclosure should be easy to clean and disinfect.

**B. Substrate:**

* **Purpose:** The substrate provides a comfortable surface for the lizard to walk on and helps maintain humidity levels.
* **Suitable Options:**

* **Paper Towels:** Easy to clean and replace, making them a hygienic option. Suitable for quarantine or temporary setups.
* **Coconut Fiber (Coco Coir):** A good option for maintaining humidity. Ensure it’s pesticide-free.
* **Reptile Carpet:** Easy to clean and provides a textured surface for the lizard.
* **Avoid:** Avoid using sand, gravel, or wood shavings, as these can be ingested and cause impaction.

**C. Heating and Lighting:**

* **Temperature Gradient:** Lizards are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Provide a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with a warm basking spot and a cooler area.
* **Basking Spot:**

* **Heat Source:** Use a ceramic heat emitter or a basking lamp to provide a basking spot of around 90-95°F (32-35°C). Place the heat source at one end of the enclosure.
* **Placement:** Ensure the lizard cannot directly touch the heat source to prevent burns.
* **Ambient Temperature:** Maintain an ambient temperature of around 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day and 65-75°F (18-24°C) at night.
* **UVB Lighting:** UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis, which is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. Provide a UVB lamp designed for reptiles. Replace the UVB bulb every 6-12 months, even if it still appears to be working, as the UVB output decreases over time.
* **Lighting Schedule:** Provide 12-14 hours of light per day and 10-12 hours of darkness. Use a timer to regulate the lighting schedule.

**D. Humidity:**

* **Importance:** Maintaining proper humidity levels is important for the lizard’s skin health and shedding. Common house lizards generally prefer moderate humidity levels (around 50-70%).
* **Maintaining Humidity:**

* **Misting:** Mist the enclosure with water once or twice a day to increase humidity.
* **Water Bowl:** Provide a shallow water bowl for the lizard to drink from and soak in.
* **Humid Hide:** Create a humid hide by placing a container with damp moss or paper towels in the enclosure.
* **Monitoring Humidity:** Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in the enclosure.

**E. Decor and Hiding Places:**

* **Hiding Places:** Provide several hiding places for the lizard to feel secure and reduce stress. Suitable hiding places include:
* Cork bark
* Rocks (make sure they are stable and won’t fall on the lizard)
* Plastic plants
* Commercial reptile hides
* **Climbing Structures:** House lizards are excellent climbers. Provide branches, rocks, or other climbing structures to encourage natural behavior.
* **Plants:** Live or artificial plants can add visual appeal to the enclosure and provide additional hiding places. Ensure live plants are non-toxic to lizards.

**F. Water:**

* **Fresh Water:** Provide a shallow dish of fresh, clean water at all times. Change the water daily.
* **Water Depth:** The water should be shallow enough for the lizard to easily access it without drowning.

## III. Feeding Your House Lizard

House lizards are insectivores and require a diet consisting primarily of insects. Proper feeding is essential for their health and longevity.

**A. Diet:**

* **Main Food Source:** Feed your lizard a variety of small insects, such as:

* **Crickets:** A staple food for many insectivorous reptiles. Gut-load crickets with nutritious food before feeding them to your lizard.
* **Mealworms:** Can be offered occasionally, but they are high in fat and should not be the primary food source.
* **Fruit Flies:** Suitable for very small lizards.
* **Small Roaches (Dubia Roaches):** A nutritious and readily available option.
* **Waxworms:** High in fat and should only be offered as a treat.
* **Gut-Loading:** Gut-loading insects means feeding them nutritious food before offering them to your lizard. This increases the nutritional value of the insects.
* **Gut-Loading Foods:** Offer insects a diet of fruits, vegetables, and commercially available gut-loading diets.
* **Supplements:** Dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements 2-3 times per week, especially for young, growing lizards and breeding females. This helps prevent metabolic bone disease.

**B. Feeding Schedule:**

* **Frequency:** Feed young lizards daily. Adult lizards can be fed every other day or every third day.
* **Amount:** Offer as many insects as the lizard will consume in a 15-20 minute period. Remove any uneaten insects after feeding.
* **Feeding Time:** Feed your lizard during its active period, typically in the morning or late afternoon.

**C. Providing Food:**

* **Loose Insects:** You can release insects directly into the enclosure for the lizard to hunt.
* **Feeding Dish:** Alternatively, you can offer insects in a shallow feeding dish to prevent them from escaping and to monitor how much the lizard is eating.

## IV. Handling and Interaction

While house lizards are not typically cuddly pets, you can still interact with them in a way that minimizes stress and promotes their well-being.

**A. Handling:**

* **Minimize Handling:** Frequent handling can stress the lizard. Handle it only when necessary, such as for health checks or cleaning the enclosure.
* **Gentle Approach:** When handling a lizard, approach it slowly and gently. Avoid sudden movements that might scare it.
* **Support the Body:** Support the lizard’s body with your hand when holding it. Avoid squeezing or restricting its movement.
* **Wash Your Hands:** Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling a lizard.

**B. Observation and Enrichment:**

* **Observe Behavior:** Pay attention to your lizard’s behavior. This can help you identify potential health problems or environmental issues.
* **Enrichment:** Provide enrichment activities to keep your lizard stimulated. This can include:

* **Rotating Decorations:** Change the layout of the enclosure periodically to provide a new environment.
* **Introducing New Objects:** Offer new objects, such as branches or rocks, for the lizard to explore.
* **Live Plants:** Introduce live plants (ensure they are non-toxic) for the lizard to interact with.
* **Avoid Overcrowding:** Do not overcrowd the enclosure with too many decorations or hiding places. The lizard needs space to move around freely.

## V. Health and Hygiene

Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is essential for preventing health problems in your house lizard.

**A. Cleaning the Enclosure:**

* **Daily Spot Cleaning:** Remove any feces, shed skin, or uneaten food daily.
* **Weekly Cleaning:** Replace the substrate and clean the enclosure thoroughly once a week. Use a reptile-safe disinfectant to clean the enclosure and decorations.
* **Water Bowl:** Clean and disinfect the water bowl daily.

**B. Common Health Problems:**

* **Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD):** A common health problem in reptiles caused by calcium deficiency or insufficient UVB exposure. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, tremors, and bone deformities. Prevent MBD by providing adequate UVB lighting and supplementing with calcium and vitamin D3.
* **Respiratory Infections:** Can be caused by poor ventilation, low temperatures, or high humidity. Symptoms include labored breathing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Ensure proper ventilation and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
* **Skin Infections:** Can be caused by unsanitary conditions or injuries. Symptoms include skin lesions, swelling, and discharge. Keep the enclosure clean and treat any injuries promptly.
* **Parasites:** Lizards can be infected with internal or external parasites. Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite. Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
* **Impaction:** Occurs when the lizard ingests indigestible materials, such as sand or gravel, leading to a blockage in the digestive tract. Avoid using sand or gravel as substrate.

**C. Signs of a Healthy Lizard:**

* **Alert and Active:** A healthy lizard will be alert and active during its active period.
* **Healthy Appetite:** A healthy lizard will have a good appetite and eat regularly.
* **Clear Eyes and Nostrils:** The eyes and nostrils should be clear and free of discharge.
* **Smooth, Healthy Skin:** The skin should be smooth and free of lesions or parasites.
* **Normal Feces:** The feces should be well-formed and free of parasites.

**D. Veterinary Care:**

* **Regular Checkups:** It is recommended to take your lizard to a veterinarian experienced in reptile care for regular checkups.
* **Quarantine New Lizards:** Quarantine new lizards for at least 30 days before introducing them to existing collections. This helps prevent the spread of diseases.

## VI. Ethical Considerations

Before catching and keeping a house lizard, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications of removing a wild animal from its natural habitat.

* **Impact on the Ecosystem:** Even common species play a role in the ecosystem. Removing them can have unintended consequences.
* **Stress and Adaptation:** Captivity can be stressful for wild animals, and they may not adapt well to a captive environment.
* **Alternatives:** Consider observing lizards in their natural habitat or supporting conservation efforts instead of keeping them as pets.

If you decide to keep a house lizard as a pet, ensure that you are committed to providing a healthy and enriching environment for the animal for the duration of its life. If you are unable to provide proper care, consider releasing the lizard back into its natural habitat (if it is safe and legal to do so) or finding a suitable home for it.

**VII. Releasing a Pet House Lizard**

Releasing a captive lizard back into the wild should be approached with caution and should only be done if certain conditions are met.

* **Original Location:** Ideally, the lizard should be released back into the exact location where it was captured.
* **Health:** Ensure the lizard is healthy and free of diseases before releasing it.
* **Season:** Release the lizard during a warm season when food is plentiful.
* **Acclimation:** Before releasing the lizard, gradually acclimate it to the outdoor environment by spending increasing periods of time outdoors. Provide the lizard with food and water during the acclimation period.
* **Legality:** Make sure that releasing the lizard is legal in your area.

## Conclusion

Keeping a common house lizard as a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning, dedication, and a commitment to providing proper care. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your pet lizard thrives in its captive environment. Remember to prioritize the lizard’s well-being and consider the ethical implications before taking a wild animal into captivity. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the company of these fascinating creatures for years to come.