How to Catch a Small Lizard in Your House Safely: Fast-Track Guide to Catching Lizards Indoors Without Stress

“How to catch a small lizard in your house” might sound like an odd Google search, but if you’ve ever glimpsed a swift, scaly visitor darting behind your sofa, you know exactly how tricky they can be. In my first LA apartment—barely 500 square feet—a tiny lizard turned my quiet evening into a comedic, adrenaline-fueled chase. Sound familiar? If you’re dealing with an unexpected house guest, here’s your step-by-step guide to catching a small lizard safely, humanely, and with as little stress as possible—for both you and the lizard.

Catch a Small Lizard: Know Your Objective and Act Calmly

First, understand your goal: gentle capture and safe release outdoors, with zero harm to the animal. Small lizards typically enter homes seeking warmth, insects, or hiding places. In the Southern U.S., anole lizards and Mediterranean house geckos are common; both are harmless and actually help control bugs. If you have children or pets, reassure them that lizards do not pose health risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Source

Begin by scanning your space—lizards hide in clutter or dark corners such as under sofas, bookshelves, appliances, or near window sills. Calmly close the door to contain the lizard in one room. Move lightweight furniture or loose items to expose its location. Use a flashlight to spot a lizard in shadowy crevices. If you’re nervous, have a family member help—quiet teamwork keeps both you and the lizard less stressed!

Tools and Setup: What You Need to Catch a Small Lizard

Your best tools are everyday items: a clear plastic container or food storage tub, a stiff piece of cardboard or index card, and optionally, soft gloves (if you’re squeamish about close contact). Avoid sticky traps—the Humane Society strongly opposes glue boards due to the harm and distress they cause. Source

Before attempting capture:

1. Clear the immediate area of breakables or valuables—lizards move fast and may knock things over.
2. Turn off bright overhead lights if possible. Ambient or natural light keeps lizards from bolting into exposed areas.
3. If you spot an entry point (cracked window, gap under door), discreetly block it with a towel.

How to Catch a Small Lizard: Step-by-Step Guide

Option 1: Container and Card Trick

1. Quietly approach the lizard—slow, deliberate movements prevent panic.

2. Place the open container gently over the lizard. Don’t try to trap it forcefully; wait for it to pause.

3. Carefully slide the cardboard or stiff paper under the container to create a seal.

4. Lift—container and card together—without tilting.

5. Take the lizard outside and release it in a shaded spot away from doors and pets.

Option 2: Lizard Baiting (Great for Skittish Lizards)

1. Place a small piece of ripe fruit near where the lizard hides; a slice of banana or melon works well.

2. Wait for the lizard to investigate.

3. When it’s distracted, use the container-and-card capture method.

Always avoid chasing or cornering the lizard, as this can lead to injury or extreme stress.

How to Prevent Lizards from Entering Your Home

Once your little visitor is outside, prevention keeps the problem from repeating. Inspect for gaps around windows, worn weatherstrips under doors, or tears in mesh screens (especially in states with old housing stock). Use silicone caulk or foam insulation to seal cracks. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), keeping entry points tightly sealed also reduces other pests. Source

Additional tips:

1. Keep countertops crumb-free and trash tightly lidded to discourage insects (lizards’ favorite food).
2. Trim plants away from doorways and windows—lizards often use foliage to bridge inside.
3. Store pet food indoors and off the ground; spilled kibble attracts bugs and then, naturally, lizards.

What If You Can’t Catch the Lizard?

If the lizard is impossible to corner or you’re not comfortable capturing it yourself, don’t worry! Contact your local animal control office or a pest management professional. Be sure to specify that you want humane capture—most reputable services offer this option.

Tips 1: Consider Your Climate and House Type

Regions like Florida, Texas, and Southern California have higher lizard activity indoors—especially in spring and summer. In apartments or bungalows with older doors and windows, invest in weatherstripping and screen repair kits. In newer, LEED-certified homes, airtight building envelopes help naturally. About LEED

Tips 2: Educate Kids and Guests

Lizards are beneficial for controlling spider and insect populations. Teaching children not to harm or frighten these animals instills respect for urban wildlife—and keeps everyone calm during future encounters.

FAQ

Q: What attracts small lizards into houses?

A: Insects, warmth, water, and shelter. Keeping the home clean and sealing cracks are the top deterrents.

Q: Are household lizards dangerous?

A: Nearly all small house lizards in the U.S. are harmless—they don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases that affect humans or pets.

Q: Will lizards leave on their own?

A: Sometimes, but ongoing food and shelter might convince them to stay. Active removal and prevention are best for peace of mind.

Q: Can I use a store-bought lizard trap?

A: Avoid glue traps for humane reasons. Live traps (with easy-release mechanisms) are a better choice.

Q: Should I disinfect after a lizard’s been indoors?

A: Yes, wipe down surfaces where the lizard may have walked, especially in the kitchen or areas accessible to children and pets.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Living Space—Humanely

Finding a small lizard in your house isn’t an emergency—it’s an opportunity to practice calm, humane problem-solving. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and these proven steps, you can easily reclaim your space without harm. Regular maintenance—sealing gaps, keeping bugs at bay, and minimizing clutter—prevents future lizard visits. If you’ve conquered a “lizard hunt,” we’d love to hear your story below! For more wildlife-friendly home care tips, bookmark this guide and share with friends who love a peaceful (and reptile-respectful) home.