How to Remove a Lizard From a House

Lizards can be attractive until they get into your house.

Lizards are a very common sight outside in many southern states. These quick amphibians can be charming additions to a garden path, but when they get inside the house it can be another story. While most lizards are harmless to humans, pets may catch them and get sick, or the lizard may die in an inconvenient place for retrieval. Catch a lizard in your house while it's still alive, and you and the lizard will both be happier for it.

Things You'll Need

• Yardstick or long handled spoon
• Plastic container
• Thin cardboard or thick paper

Instructions

1. Walk up to the lizard slowly. Fast movement can make it run away, prolonging your hunting expedition.

2. Tap the wall or floor behind the lizard to make it move into a convenient position for trapping. If the lizard is in the middle of a wall or floor, no movement is necessary. If it's in a corner, make it move out into the open.

3. Drop the plastic container down on the lizard quickly, so that it covers the lizard and traps it. You will need to move quickly so that the lizard doesn't jump or scuttle out of the way.

4. Slide a thin piece of card stock between the plastic container and the wall or floor. Go slowly, so that the lizard has a chance to walk or hop onto the card stock. Slide the paper until the entire bottom of the container is covered and the lizard is trapped inside.

5. Slide your hand under the card stock, keeping it securely covering the opening in the container. Take the container outside away from your door and lift off the card, releasing the lizard back into the wild.

References

• Wildlife & Natural History Q-Line: Ask Jim Your Questions