How to Catch a Lizard in the House: 14 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byScott McCombe

Last Updated: November 14, 2022References

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   Close off the room where you last saw the lizard. Close the doors and windows, so that it cannot escape. You may even want to place towels under the crack of the door to prevent it from leaving.^[1]

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   Check dark, enclosed spaces to see if the lizard is hiding there. Lizards often enjoying hanging out in small or covered spaces. Check under any couches, chairs, desks, bookshelves, or tables in the room. Closets, vents, baseboards, cushions, and potted plants are also popular places for lizards to hide.^[2]

   • You may need to use a flashlight to see into dark spaces.
   • Lizards often like hiding behind hanging items, such as frames, on the wall.^[3]

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   Keep pets in a different room. If your pets are in the room, the lizard will probably hide. Keep your dog or cat in a different room until you have caught the lizard.^[4]

   • Alternatively, if you have a cat, you can get your cat to catch the lizard. Keep in mind, however, that the cat will probably kill the lizard, so this may only be an option if the lizard is wild.
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   Turn off all of the lights. The lizard may come out of its hiding space if it thinks it is dark outside. Close any blinds or curtains to block out the sun. You can use a flashlight to see. Usually, the lizard will come out within half an hour.^[5]

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   Wait until it comes out. The lizard will only come out when it feels safe. If you can’t find the lizard, prepare your lizard catching materials. Keep them handy until it does make an appearance.

   • If you can’t find a wild lizard loose in your home, it may be easier to repel it using eggshells, mothballs, and other common household goods than it will be to catch it.

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   See Also

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   Find a container to catch the lizard in. Most house lizards are only about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6cm) long. Old food containers, such as empty margarine containers or large yogurt containers, may be ideal for catching one.^[6]

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   Approach the lizard slowly. If you startle the lizard, it will likely run back into its hiding spot. Instead, walk towards the lizard very slowly. If the lizard starts to move, stop and stay still for a second until it calms down.

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   Chase the lizard into the box. If the lizard is on the wall, use a magazine or piece of paper to coax it towards the box. If it's on the floor, use a broom or yardstick. In most cases, the lizard will run into the container, as it will think that the container is safe.^[7]

   • Try not to touch the lizard with the object. Move it towards the lizard to encourage it to run towards the box, but avoid hitting the lizard.
   • Do not use your hand to grab or chase the lizard. This could cause the lizard’s tail to fall off. The lizard might even bite you.
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   Spray the lizard with cold water if it keeps running away. If the lizard won’t go into the box, try spraying or flicking cold water on it. This can cause the lizard to slow down or even freeze for a minute or two. You can then place the box over it.^[8]

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   Slide a piece of cardboard or paper under the box. Once the lizard is in the box, you can trap it there. Slip the paper or cardboard over the opening of the container until it is completely covered. Keep it there until you either release the lizard outside or return it to its cage.^[9]

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   Take the lizard outside. You should release the lizard outside into the wild. Do not release it right next to your house or door. It may run straight back inside. Instead, take it a few yards or meters away from the house.^[10]

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   Remove the paper from the box. Hold the box close to the ground, and remove the cardboard or paper. The lizard should scamper out. If it doesn't, step away or leave the container for a few minutes. The lizard may only leave when you are gone.^[11]

   • You can also gently tip the lizard out of the container as long as you hold it close to the ground.
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   Do not keep a wild lizard as a pet. Most wild lizards will not thrive if kept in cages or aquariums as pets. These are wild animals and should be released humanely back outside.^[12]

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   Call pest control if you believe there is an infestation. Pest control can examine your home for any entryways for lizards while eliminating large lizard populations from your home. Call your local pest control company to see if they offer this service.^[13]

   • This is a good option if you have a very large lizard loose in your home.

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