That lizard in the house driving you insane and all you can think of is how to get rid of the creature? Read the following HomeQuicks article for some of the best ways to catch a lizard.
Steer Clear of Glue
Using glue strips is one of the most inhumane and cruel ways of catching a lizard. It usually results in dismembering or killing it. Which is why, using this method is absolutely discouraged.
While a lizard causes no harm, and is, in reality, quite beneficial for getting rid of insects, it is their appearance that usually gets people devising ways to get rid of them. Whether they are seen lurking behind light fittings, or scurrying across the kitchen floor, or basking in the sun on the garden wall, lizards are not usually welcome in homes … or gardens. So, the tendency is wanting to get rid of them; but that is exactly where lies the tricky part―getting rid of lizards is not a very simple task given that they are quick. However, that does not mean that they cannot be trapped at all, of course they can be, and in this HomeQuicks article, we will tell you exactly how to catch a lizard effectively. Continue reading for some great ideas on the same.
How to Catch a Lizard
Catching lizards is definitely a tricky task because they are quick on their feet and great at finding hiding places. However, with a little patience, they can definitely be caught. The most important thing to keep in mind is to be absolutely gentle while catching them.
1. Using a ‘Fishing Pole’
This method might seem quite the challenging one, but it is known to work like a charm.
► Stick, 3 feet long
► Waxed dental floss
► Procure a stick (wooden or otherwise) that is at least 3 feet long.
► Next, measure out some waxed dental floss and tie it to one end of the stick.
► The floss should be at least as long as the stick in measurement or slightly longer.
► Turn the loose end of the floss into a noose by tying it into a slip knot.
► Your fishing stick is now ready.
► Approach the lizard with very slow movements. In fact, approaching it from either sides, or the front will usually get the lizard motionless.
► This approach works best because the lizard will be more distracted by you approaching than paying attention to the stick.
► Slowly fit the noose over the lizard’s head such that it forms a loose noose.
► Once trapped, gently hold the lizard by its belly (not its head, limbs, or tail)―this will cause the lizard to become immobile.
► Once captured, set it out.
2. Setting a Trap
This is one of the most effective ways to catch a lizard in the house.
► Lizard/Mouse trap
► Insect or fruit bait
► Buy a trap that is meant for lizards. If those are not available, you can even use a mouse trap effectively for this purpose. Make sure that the holes are not wide enough for the lizard to crawl through.
► Place bait in the trap. While mealworms and crickets work best, keeping them in one place can pose a problem. In which case, you can keep a piece of fruit like papaya, melon or mango in it.
► Once the lizard walks in through the trap door, the door will shut by itself and trap the lizard in.
► After which, you can safely take it outdoors and set it free.
3. Catching it With a Towel
This is one of the simplest methods that can be used. It does not require much and can be applied to catch a lizard with your hands.
► Towel, light weight
► When you see a lizard on the floor, simply throw a towel over it.
► Make sure to use a very, very light towel for this purpose. You only want to capture the lizard, not crush it.
► The towel over the lizard will cause for it to become immobile and motionless, especially if it is not a nocturnal creature.
► Once motionless, you can gently place one hand over the towel and slowly lift it up.
► Place the second hand under the towel and turn it over so that it is on its back.
► Make sure that you do not use excessive force.
► Take the towel outdoors and set the lizard free.
4. Using a Bait and a Net
► Plastic container/jar
► Insect or fruit bait
► Net
► Place the bait inside the plastic box or jar and put the container in a place where lizards are usually seen to frequent.
► Placing live baits like crickets or flies will garner maximum attention. However, since it is not always possible to use live bait, you can use dead bait, or pieces of fruit as well.
► Once the lizard walks into the jar, cover the opening with a net.
► Then, shake the jar gently so that the lizard walks into the net.
► Then take the net and jar outside and set it free.
5. Using a Cup and Paper Sheet
This method works wonders if you need to capture a lizard that is on a flat, horizontal surface.
► Styrofoam cup
► Sheet of paper
► Approach the lizard from the side or the front so that it becomes motionless.
► Once it is sufficiently still, place the cup gently over the lizard such that it is trapped.
► Next, slide the sheet of paper under the cup so that the cup is sealed off.
► Then, gently, lift the cup up with the paper firmly under it and set the lizard free in the outdoors.
6. With Toilet Roll and Cushion Cover
► Toilet roll, empty
► Cushion cover
► Insect or fruit bait
► Net
► Tape
► String
► Lizards are usually seen scaling walls, so setting this trap against a wall will garner maximum results.
► With the help of a string, tie a cushion cover to one end of the empty toilet roll. Make sure that there is a little opening left into the cushion.
► Next, tape this apparatus onto the wall, placing the roll vertically, such that the cushion cover hangs down.
► If need be, place some bait on the toilet roll.
► When the lizard walks into the toilet roll, it will automatically make its way into the cushion cover.
► Once inside, the lizard will find it difficult to flee given that the opening of the cushion cover is quite narrow and the surface of cloth quite difficult to walk on.
► To further improve the chances of capturing the lizard, you can place a net over the toilet roll so that it cannot escape.
► Once it is captured, simply take the apparatus outside and set the lizard free.
7. With a Lamp
Did you know that lizards are easily attracted to the light that is emitted by lamps? Here’s how you use this apparatus to capture a lizard. This method works best when used at night.
► Lamp, low watt
► Towel/Cup + Paper sheet
► Turn off all the lights in the room and place the lamp on the floor, setting it on the lowest power.
► Be ready with either a towel or a cup and paper sheet to capture the lizard. Make sure you’re standing a little away from the lamp.
► Either of two things can happen―the lamp will attract insects, which in turn will draw the lizard to it, or, the heat radiating from the lamp will beckon the lizard to it.
► Once the lizard is in position, use either of the two methods and place a towel over it or a cup and then gently pick it up by its belly.
► Once captured, set the lizard free.
8. With a Cardboard Box
► Cardboard box
► Plastic wrap
► Insect or fruit bait
► Take a cardboard box and cover it completely with a plastic wrap, securing it firmly in place with the help of tape.
► Next, cut a slit in the plastic that is about 4 -5 inches long in the center of the box. Make sure the slit is not very wide.
► After which, place the bait over the slit.
► Once the lizard sees the bait, it will move onto the slit and slip in, but because the slit is very thin and centrally made, it will not be able to climb out of the box.
► Take the box out, cut open the plastic wrap and let the lizard scurry away.
While all these methods are known to bring about success, if you’re not confident about being able to handle the situation successfully, it is always better to seek professional help. This will ensure that the lizard is not harmed in any way.
Please Note:
This article does not endorse catching a lizard to keep for a pet or for recreation purposes. It only helps you with ways of how the lizard can be captured only to set it free.