Key Takeaways
- Common House Lizards: Familiarize yourself with lizards typically found indoors, such as common house geckos, anoles, and brown skinks, to effectively identify the species you encounter.
- Understanding Reasons for Entry: Lizards enter homes primarily for food, shelter, breeding, or as a result of accidental entry through open doors and windows.
- Safety First: Most lizards are non-venomous and pose minimal danger; however, handle them carefully to avoid stress for both yourself and the animal.
- Effective Catching Techniques: Use a container and a piece of paper to safely capture and relocate a lizard without causing harm.
- Preventive Measures: Seal any gaps or cracks and maintain a clean environment to deter lizards from entering your home.
- When to Seek Help: If a lizard is injured, unidentified, or if you encounter frequent visits, consider contacting a professional for assistance.
Have you ever walked into a room and spotted a lizard scurrying across the floor? It can be a surprising and unsettling experience. Many people find themselves unsure of what to do next.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone! This article will guide you through simple steps to handle a lizard in your home. You’ll learn how to safely catch or remove it, and even discover tips to prevent future visits. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and ready to tackle this unexpected guest.
Understanding Lizards in Your Home
Encountering a lizard inside your house can be startling. Understanding what lizards are common in homes and why they enter can help you manage the situation effectively.
Common Types of Lizards Found Indoors
- Common House Gecko: Small and usually brown or gray, these lizards thrive in warm climates. They often inhabit homes seeking food and warmth.
- Anole: Usually green, anoles adapt well to indoor environments. They might enter for light and shelter.
- Brown Skink: These lizards are sleek and usually brown or black. They often appear indoors, particularly in basements or crawl spaces.
- Iguana: Rarely found indoors, iguanas sometimes wander in homes. They seek warmth and can become a problem due to their size.
Reasons Lizards Enter Homes
- Food Sources: Lizards often enter houses in search of insects. A variety of bugs, like flies and spiders, attract them.
- Shelter: Warm and dry spaces provide ideal conditions for lizards, particularly during cold weather.
- Breeding: Some lizards seek out indoor spaces to lay eggs or find mates.
- Accidental Entry: Open doors, windows, and cracks can let lizards slip inside without intending to stay.
By recognizing the lizards you find and understanding why they come indoors, you can better prepare for managing their presence.
Safety Concerns
When a lizard appears in your house, focus on safety for both you and the lizard. Here are essential points to consider.
Are Lizards Dangerous?
Most lizards pose minimal danger to humans. Common house lizards, like geckos, are non-venomous. They don’t bite unless threatened. If provoked, a lizard may drop its tail and escape. U.S. lizards, like anoles and brown skinks, are typically harmless. Keep a safe distance to prevent any potential stress for both you and the lizard.
Health Risks Associated with Lizards
While lizards aren’t usually dangerous, some health risks exist. Lizards can carry parasites, including ticks and mites. These can occasionally affect pets, so watch for signs of infestation. Additionally, their droppings may contain bacteria. Avoid direct contact with droppings, and ensure proper sanitation in your home. If needed, clean any droppings with gloves and disinfect the area to prevent health issues.
How to Handle a Lizard
Handling a lizard can be straightforward when you know what to do. Follow these steps to manage the situation effectively.
Catching a Lizard Safely
- Stay calm. Lizards sense fear and may try to escape.
- Use a container. Find a plastic or glass container that’s at least a foot tall. A shoe box or a pot can work too.
- Approach slowly. Move toward the lizard gently, avoiding quick movements.
- Cover with the container. Place the container over the lizard to trap it gently.
- Slide a piece of paper underneath. Ensure the lizard is secure while you move it.
- Release outside. Take the lizard to a safe spot away from your home, such as a garden or a bush.
Preventing Lizards from Escaping
- Seal entry points. Check for gaps in windows, doors, and walls, then seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
- Reduce clutter. Clear away items like boxes and piles of cloth that provide hiding spaces.
- Keep food covered. Store food in sealed containers to avoid attracting insects, which lizards eat.
- Use repellents. Consider citrus peels or commercial lizard repellents to deter them from entering.
When to Call a Professional
- Injured lizard. If the lizard appears hurt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
- Unidentified species. If you’re unsure of the lizard type, a professional can provide guidance.
- Count of lizards increases. If you frequently find lizards, it indicates a bigger issue, and pest control might help.
- Fear or allergies. If you’re particularly frightened of lizards or have allergic reactions, seek professional assistance for removal.
Following these steps ensures a safe and effective approach to handling lizards in your home.
Prevention Tips
Preventing lizards from entering your home involves a few practical steps. You can minimize the chances of an encounter by keeping your living space less inviting to these creatures.
Sealing Entry Points
Seal all gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. For example, use weatherstripping to close up spaces under doors. Check for holes and gaps in window screens, repairing them promptly. Install door sweeps, and apply caulk to larger crevices. Ensure that vents are covered with fine mesh to block lizard access.
Maintaining a Clean Environment
Keep your home tidy to discourage lizards from taking shelter. Store food in airtight containers. Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately, as they attract insects, which lizards hunt. Regularly declutter rooms and vacuum often. Pay special attention to hidden areas, like under furniture and behind appliances. Less clutter creates fewer hiding spots for lizards and bugs, making your home less appealing.
Conclusion
Dealing with a lizard in your home can feel a bit unsettling but remember that it’s usually harmless. By following the steps outlined in the article you can safely catch and release it, ensuring both your peace of mind and the lizard’s well-being.
Taking preventive measures will help keep your home lizard-free in the future. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure about handling a lizard situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. You’ve got the tools to manage this unexpected visitor and create a more comfortable living space for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I find a lizard in my home?
If you find a lizard indoors, remain calm and avoid panicking. Carefully catch it using a container, ensuring you approach slowly. Once caught, release it outside in a safe area.
Are the lizards in my home dangerous?
Most common house lizards, like geckos and skinks, are non-venomous and pose little threat to humans. They may bite if threatened, but serious harm is unlikely.
How do lizards get into my house?
Lizards typically enter homes in search of food, shelter, or mates. They can also accidentally find their way inside through cracks and open doors.
What are some common types of lizards found indoors?
Common indoor lizards include the Common House Gecko, Anole, Brown Skink, and occasionally, Iguanas. These are typically attracted by warmth and insects.
How can I prevent lizards from entering my home?
Seal entry points by closing gaps around doors and windows. Maintain a clean environment by storing food properly and decluttering spaces to reduce hiding spots.
Is it safe to handle lizards?
While most lizards are harmless, it’s important to handle them with care. Use gloves to avoid direct contact and prevent potential bites or the spread of parasites.
When should I call a professional for lizard removal?
Consider calling a professional if you encounter injured lizards, unidentified species, or if you have allergies or significant fears about handling lizards.
