Why Are Lizards in the House?
A variety of lizards from anoles to iguanas can find their way into homes, but the species U.S. homeowners are most likely to encounter is the common house gecko. Living in both suburban and urban areas with hot climates, these pests gather around porch lights at night to hunt co*ckroaches and moths. A lizard that comes inside may have been attracted by an active insect infestation indoors. Due to the pests' small size, tiny gaps or cracks around doors and windows can be enough for geckos to let themselves in.
Dangers and Damage Caused by Lizards
Many people wonder if lizards, like the snakes they resemble, have dangerous bites. The only venomous lizard in the U.S. is the Gila monster, which is found in desert regions of the Southwest and rarely enters homes. However, this doesn't mean that other lizards in the house are harmless. House geckos may bite when stressed, though their tiny teeth are not capable of breaking human skin. On the other hand, iguanas that get indoors or hang around yards have painful bites that can tear flesh and leave behind embedded teeth.
The greatest danger posed by lizards in houses comes from Salmonella. Most reptiles carry this bacteria in their intestines, mouths, and feces. While it doesn't harm lizards, salmonellosis in humans causes uncomfortable flu-like symptoms and may even be life-threatening. Geckos leave behind long, brown droppings tipped with white that stain fabric, curtains, and carpets. Likewise, iguana waste on patios and decks will consist of brown droppings surrounded by a white substance.
Getting Rid of Lizards in the House
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Some people welcome the help of lizards in eliminating insects, but many find this solution as unpleasant as the problem. When getting rid of lizards in the house, the right method depends on the species. Geckos may be captured in a small container, then released outdoors. A short-term solution, this method also requires a quick hand. Attempting to trap iguanas is not advised, as these larger lizards can be dangerous when agitated. Any method that requires touching reptiles is also not recommended due to risk of infection. To safely remove a lizard in the house, rely on the expert team at Critter Control.
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Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
Quicklinks
- Do Lizards Bite?
- Do Lizards Lay Eggs?
- Lizards in the Garden
- Lizards in the Yard
- Lizard Droppings
- Lizard Tracks
- Lizard Noises
- Types of Lizards
