How to Evict Your Tiny Tenant: A Comprehensive Guide on Getting a Lizard Out of a Small Space
Struggling with a scaly intruder? This guide provides expert-backed, humane and effective strategies on how do you get a lizard out of a small space, focusing on gentle persuasion rather than forceful removal.
Understanding the Situation: Why Lizards Get Trapped
Lizards, driven by their natural instincts, often find their way into our homes seeking warmth, shelter, and a potential food source. Small spaces, like gaps behind appliances, within furniture, or even inside light fixtures, provide these perceived benefits. They may enter through cracks in walls, under doors, or via open windows. Understanding why they enter is the first step in how do you get a lizard out of a small space.
Preparing for the Eviction
Before attempting to remove the lizard, gather your supplies. You’ll need:
- A cardboard box or bucket
- A soft towel or cloth
- A flashlight
- A long, thin object (like a broom handle)
- Patience!
Safety is paramount. Always wear gloves to avoid potential bites (though rare, they can happen) and to protect the lizard from the oils on your skin. Avoid sudden movements, as this can startle the lizard and make it harder to coax out.
Gentle Persuasion: The Preferred Methods
The goal is to encourage the lizard to leave on its own accord. Here’s a tiered approach to how do you get a lizard out of a small space, starting with the least intrusive methods:
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Creating an Exit Path: Open any doors or windows near the small space. Dim the lights in the room, but place a light source outside the exit. Lizards are attracted to light, so this may naturally lure it out.
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Enticing with Temptation: Place a small container with water (a bottle cap will suffice) and perhaps a tiny bit of fruit (like a mashed banana) near the entrance of the space. This provides an incentive to leave.
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Gentle Encouragement: If the lizard remains stubborn, use a long, thin object (like a broom handle) to gently tap on the outside of the space. The vibration and noise may encourage it to move. Never poke or prod the lizard directly!
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The Box Trap: If other methods fail, create a makeshift trap using a cardboard box or bucket. Place the box near the opening of the small space, angled slightly upwards so the lizard can easily climb in. Place a tempting treat inside (as mentioned above). Check the box frequently.
If Persuasion Fails: Last Resort Methods
Sometimes, gentle methods are ineffective, especially if the lizard is deeply entrenched. These methods require more caution:
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Towel and Capture: If you can see the lizard clearly, try gently coaxing it onto a soft towel or cloth. Once it’s on the towel, quickly but carefully wrap it up and release it outside. This requires extreme care to avoid injuring the lizard.
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Calling a Professional: In rare cases, if the lizard is in a very inaccessible or dangerous location (e.g., inside electrical equipment), consider calling a wildlife removal service. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle such situations.
Prevention is Key: Keeping Lizards Out
Once you’ve successfully evicted the lizard, take steps to prevent future infestations. This is a critical part of how do you get a lizard out of a small space… permanently.
- Seal Cracks and Openings: Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and windows for any cracks or gaps. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
- Install Screens: Ensure that all windows and doors have screens that are in good condition.
- Reduce Food Sources: Keep your home clean and tidy. Wipe up spills immediately, store food in airtight containers, and consider using outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids to reduce the insect population that attracts lizards.
- Landscaping: Keep your yard well-maintained. Trim bushes and shrubs away from your home’s foundation, as these provide hiding places for lizards.
- Remove Standing Water: Eliminate sources of standing water around your property, as these can attract insects, which in turn attract lizards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Harmful Chemicals or Traps: Never use insecticides or glue traps to catch lizards. These are inhumane and can be dangerous to other animals and humans.
- Trying to Grab the Lizard Directly: This can injure the lizard and increase your risk of being bitten.
- Panicking and Making Sudden Movements: This will only scare the lizard and make it harder to remove.
- Ignoring the Problem: A single lizard may not seem like a big deal, but it can be a sign of a larger infestation or underlying issues with your home’s structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I do if the lizard bites me?
Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. While lizard bites are rarely serious, it’s a good idea to monitor for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you’re concerned, consult a doctor. Most lizard bites are defensive and not venomous in North America.
Is it safe to handle lizards?
While most lizards are harmless, it’s always best to wear gloves when handling them. This protects you from potential bites and protects the lizard from the oils on your skin.
How long can a lizard survive without food or water?
This depends on the species, size, and environmental conditions. However, most lizards can only survive for a few days without water. This is why it’s important to act quickly if you find one trapped in your home. Dehydration can quickly become fatal.
What kind of bait should I use to attract a lizard?
Lizards primarily eat insects, but they may also be attracted to small pieces of fruit or even a drop of honey. A small amount of water is also a good lure.
What if the lizard is hiding in a very small space, like inside a wall?
This can be a challenging situation. Try using a flashlight to locate the lizard and then gently tapping on the wall to encourage it to move towards an exit. If you can’t reach it, you may need to consult a professional wildlife removal service.
Will a lizard die if it’s trapped inside for too long?
Yes, if a lizard is trapped for too long without food or water, it will eventually die. This is why it’s important to take action as soon as you discover it.
Are some lizard species more likely to enter homes than others?
Yes, certain species, like geckos and anoles, are more commonly found in homes due to their small size and adaptability.
What smells do lizards hate?
Some people believe that lizards are repelled by certain smells, such as mothballs, pepper, and vinegar. However, there’s limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
Should I try to kill the lizard?
Never attempt to kill a lizard. It’s inhumane and unnecessary. Most lizards are beneficial to the environment, as they help control insect populations. Focus on humane removal methods.
What if I have pets? Will they be affected by the lizard?
In general, a single lizard is unlikely to pose a significant threat to pets. However, some pets, like cats, may try to hunt the lizard, which could harm both animals. It’s important to supervise your pets and keep them away from the lizard.
What do I do if I find a lizard in my garden?
If you find a lizard in your garden, there’s no need to remove it. Lizards are beneficial to gardens as they eat insects and other pests.
How do you get a lizard out of a small space if it’s behind a kitchen appliance?
Carefully pull the appliance away from the wall slightly. Shine a light behind the appliance. The lizard will likely seek cover. Make sure it’s cover is an exit that leads to the outside. Patience is key in this scenario.