Have you ever found yourself in the unenviable position of having a lizard scurrying around your home? These small, agile creatures can be a nuisance, and if you’re not careful, they can even carry diseases. If you’re looking for ways to catch a lizard in the house, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss some effective methods for catching these elusive reptiles, so you can restore peace and order to your living space.
One of the most effective ways to catch a lizard in the house is to use a live trap. These traps are designed to lure lizards in with a food source, such as a piece of fruit or a small insect. Once the lizard enters the trap, it will be unable to escape. Live traps are a humane way to catch lizards, and they can be purchased at most hardware stores. If you don’t want to use a live trap, you can also try to catch a lizard by hand. However, it’s important to note that lizards are fast and agile, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to catch one this way.
If you’re unsuccessful in catching the lizard on your own, you may want to call a professional wildlife removal service. These services have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove lizards from your home. While this option may be more expensive than trying to catch the lizard yourself, it’s a good choice if you’re dealing with a particularly large or aggressive lizard. No matter which method you choose, it’s important to remember that lizards are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Once you’ve caught the lizard, be sure to release it back into its natural habitat as soon as possible.
Identify the Type of Lizard
Knowing the type of lizard you’re dealing with is crucial for choosing the most effective catching method. Lizards come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, but the three most common types found in homes are:
1. Geckos
Geckos are small, slender lizards with large eyes and sticky toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces. They are often found in warm, humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Geckos are mostly harmless, but they can carry diseases, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Characteristics of Geckos:
| Size: | 2-8 inches |
| Color: | Varies, often brown, gray, or black |
| Eyes: | Large, often with vertical pupils |
| Toe pads: | Sticky, allowing for climbing smooth surfaces |
| Habitat: | Warm, humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms |
| Diet: | Insects, spiders, and small invertebrates |
Set Traps Effectively
Trapping a lizard requires patience, stealth, and a well-crafted strategy. Here are some effective methods for setting traps that will increase your chances of success:
3. Use Sticky Traps:
Sticky traps are a relatively straightforward method for catching lizards. They are available at most hardware or home improvement stores. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using sticky traps:
- Identify areas where lizards are most likely to be active, such as under furniture, in closets, or near baseboards.
- Place the sticky traps in these areas, making sure the sticky side is facing upwards.
- Check the traps regularly, preferably every few hours. If a lizard has been caught, remove it carefully from the trap and transfer it to a safe release location.
Keep the following tips in mind when using sticky traps:
- Use high-quality sticky traps designed for reptiles or insects.
- Place the traps in areas where lizards are likely to walk, such as along walls or corners.
- Avoid placing traps in areas where the adhesive could be easily removed or contaminated.
- Check the traps regularly and replace them if they become dirty or less effective.
Safety Precautions
1. Keep Your Distance
Lizards can be fast and unpredictable, so it’s important to keep your distance. Avoid sudden movements or noises that could startle the lizard.
2. Wear Gloves
Lizards can carry bacteria or parasites, so it’s best to wear gloves when handling them. If you don’t have gloves, use a towel or cloth to protect your hands.
3. Use a Soft Touch
Lizards have delicate skin, so be gentle when handling them. Avoid squeezing or holding them too tightly.
4. Don’t Corner the Lizard
Cornering a lizard can make it feel threatened, which may cause it to bite or lash out. Give the lizard an escape route by leaving a window or door open.
5. Protect Your Eyes
Some lizards can shed their tails or spray chemicals to defend themselves. Wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from potential projectiles.
6. Determine the Lizard’s Species
Identifying the type of lizard is crucial for determining if it’s non-venomous or venomous. Consult a field guide or online resources to gather information about the lizard’s characteristics, such as its size, shape, and color patterns. Familiarizing yourself with local species will help you assess the risks and handle the situation appropriately.
| Lizard Species | Venomous | Safety Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Green Anole | No | Wear gloves, use a soft touch, keep your distance |
| Western Diamondback Rattlesnake | Yes | Call animal control, do not approach, seek medical attention immediately if bitten |
Catching the Lizard Securely
1. Assess the Situation: Before taking action, observe the lizard’s behavior and assess the safety of the situation. Identify any escape routes or obstacles that could hinder your efforts.
2. Gather Tools: Obtain a suitable container with a lid, gloves for protection, and a long-handled broom or stick for reaching the lizard.
3. Choose a Containment Method: Based on the lizard’s size and agility, choose an appropriate containment method. A plastic cup or box may suffice for smaller lizards, while a mesh net or a large towel can be more effective for larger or faster-moving ones.
4. Approach Cautiously: Approach the lizard slowly and calmly, using the broom or stick to gently guide it towards the containment device. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the lizard.
5. Secure the Lizard: Trap the lizard using the containment device, ensuring that it cannot escape. Swiftly close the lid or wrap the towel securely to prevent any sudden movements.
6. Relocate Responsibly: Once the lizard is safely contained, relocate it to a suitable outdoor environment that is far from human activity and potential dangers. Release the lizard gently and away from structures or objects it could climb on.
7. Additional Tips for Larger Lizards:
| Size | Method |
| Up to 6 inches | Use a plastic cup or box with a lid. |
| 6-12 inches | Use a mesh net to capture the lizard and transfer it to a container. |
| Over 12 inches | Secure the lizard with a large towel, slowly wrapping it to prevent escape. |
Humane Release or Relocation
Once you have captured the lizard, it is important to release or relocate it humanely. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Choose a suitable release site:
Select a location that is away from your home and has suitable habitat for the lizard, such as a wooded area or park with plenty of vegetation and insects for it to feed on.
2. Consider the lizard’s size and species:
Larger lizards may need to be released further away from your home to prevent them from returning. Some species may have specific habitat requirements, so research the species to ensure you are releasing it in an appropriate location.
3. Release the lizard at the right time of day:
Lizards are most active during the day, so it is best to release them during this time. Avoid releasing them at night, as they may be more susceptible to predators.
4. Create a hiding spot:
Provide the lizard with a hiding spot, such as a pile of leaves or a rock, to help it acclimate to its new environment.
5. Monitor the lizard’s behavior:
Observe the lizard’s behavior after releasing it. If it appears stressed or tries to return to your home, you may need to relocate it to a different site.
6. Avoid using chemicals or traps:
Using chemicals or traps to catch lizards can be dangerous and harmful to both the lizard and the environment. Always opt for humane capture methods.
7. Educate yourself about the species:
Understanding the lizard’s behavior, habitat, and diet can help you make an informed decision about where to release or relocate it.
8. Consider contacting a wildlife rehabilitator:
If the lizard is injured or sick, or if you are unable to release it safely, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. They can provide professional care and determine the best course of action for the lizard.
| Pros of Releasing | Pros of Relocating |
|---|---|
| Lessens the risk of the lizard returning to your home. | Reduces the risk of the lizard encountering predators or competition. |
| Allows the lizard to return to its natural habitat. | Ensures the lizard is placed in a suitable environment. |
| May benefit the local ecosystem. | Can prevent the spread of diseases or parasites. |
Preventing Future Invasions
To prevent future lizard invasions, take these comprehensive measures:
1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior thoroughly for any cracks, gaps, or holes, especially around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Seal these openings with caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping.
2. Keep Your Yard Clean: Remove debris, piles of leaves, and overgrown vegetation that provide hiding places for lizards. Trim tree branches that touch your house, as they can serve as access points.
3. Eliminate Food Sources: Ensure your home is pest-free by controlling insects and other small creatures that lizards prey on. Store pet food and human edibles in airtight containers and dispose of trash regularly.
4. Block Sunlight: Lizards are attracted to sunlight, so keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day, especially in areas where they tend to gather.
5. Use Repellents: Certain scents, such as citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon, are known to deter lizards. Diffuse these scents throughout your home or spray them around potential entry points.
6. Consider Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic pest repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but unpleasant to lizards, potentially driving them away.
7. Maintain Proper Humidity: Lizards thrive in humid environments, so keep your home dry by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
8. Trap and Release: If you encounter a lizard in your home, avoid killing it. Instead, use a live trap and release it far away from your property.
9. Professional Pest Control: In cases of severe infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control company. They have specialized equipment and techniques to effectively eliminate lizards and prevent future invasions.
Other Considerations
Sealing Entry Points
Once you have captured the lizard, it is crucial to prevent future intrusions. Inspect your home thoroughly for any cracks, crevices, or holes that may provide entry points for lizards. Seal these openings with caulk, expanding foam, or other suitable materials.
Eliminating Attractants
Lizards are often attracted to insects and other small prey. To reduce their presence in your home, address any pest problems and keep your living spaces clean of food debris and clutter that may attract insects.
Professional Assistance
If you encounter multiple lizards or are unsuccessful in capturing them using DIY methods, consider seeking professional help from a licensed pest control company. They have specialized knowledge and equipment to effectively remove lizards from your home.
Lizard Species Identification
It is important to identify the species of lizard you are dealing with, as some species may require specific handling or release considerations. Consult with local wildlife authorities or herpetologists for guidance on proper handling and release techniques.
Safety Precautions
While most lizards are harmless, it is always advisable to exercise caution when handling them. Wear gloves to protect your hands from potential bites, and avoid approaching lizards from behind, as this may startle them and trigger a defensive response.
Legal Considerations
In some jurisdictions, there may be legal restrictions on the capture and release of certain lizard species. Check with your local wildlife authorities to ensure you are not violating any regulations.
Ethical Considerations
Lizards are an important part of the ecosystem, and it is essential to treat them humanely during the capture and release process. Release lizards in an area where they can find suitable habitat and food sources, and avoid excessive handling or prolonged confinement.
Table of Common Lizard Species and Handling Considerations
| Species | Handling Considerations |
|---|---|
| Green Anole | Can be handled cautiously, but may bite if provoked. Avoid excessive handling. |
| Leopard Gecko | Generally docile and easy to handle. Can be held gently for short periods. |
| House Gecko | Nocturnal and skittish. Avoid handling unless necessary. |
| Fence Lizard | Agile and may jump or run away. Handle carefully to avoid injury. |
| Chameleon | Sensitive to stress. Handle with extreme care or leave undisturbed. |
How To Catch A Lizard In The House
If you’re dealing with unwanted lizard guests, catching them and removing them humanely is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you effectively catch lizards in your house:
- Identify the Lizard’s Entry Point: Inspect your home for any potential entry points where lizards might be sneaking in, such as cracks in walls, loose pipes, or gaps around windows and doors.
- Secure Entry Points: Once you’ve identified the entry points, seal them up using caulk, weatherstripping, or other suitable materials. This will prevent new lizards from entering your home while you focus on catching the ones inside.
- Create a Trap: You can use a humane trap like a lizard trap, a box with a hole, or even a sticky trap. Place the trap in an area where the lizard is commonly seen, such as near their entry point or food source.
- Use Bait: To entice the lizard into the trap, place some live bait inside, such as a small insect or a piece of fruit. This scent will attract the lizard and make it more likely to enter the trap.
- Monitor the Trap: Check the trap regularly to see if the lizard has entered. If it has, cover the trap to prevent escape and proceed to the next step.
- Release the Lizard: Once you’ve caught the lizard, release it outdoors in a safe and humane location far from your home. Remember to wear gloves for protection.
People Also Ask About How To Catch A Lizard In The House
Can I use glue traps?
While sticky traps may seem like a quick solution, they’re inhumane and can cause the lizard unnecessary distress. Use humane traps instead.
What if the lizard is high up on a wall?
Use a broom or a long stick to carefully nudge the lizard towards a lower area where you can trap it.
What should I do if I can’t catch the lizard?
If you’ve tried all the methods and still can’t catch the lizard, consider contacting a professional pest control service for assistance.
