The Northern Curly Tail Lizard, Leiocephalus carinatus, is a small reptile common in areas outside its native range. Originally from the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, this lizard was introduced to regions like Florida in the 1940s, primarily to control insects in sugarcane fields. As a non-native species, it has spread, competing with and preying upon smaller, native lizard species. This guide provides practical methods for managing the presence of this invasive lizard around a home and garden.
Identifying the Lizard and Its Attractants
The Northern Curly Tail Lizard is easily identifiable by its most distinct feature: the tail, which is frequently held curled upward over its back, especially when basking. This reptile can reach a total length of up to 10 inches, though many adults are closer to seven inches. It has a sandy-brown to gray coloration with prominent keeled or spiny scales. They are mostly terrestrial and prefer habitats that offer direct sunlight for basking, often seen on sidewalks, driveways, and warm, open ground.
A property’s appeal to these lizards centers on two primary factors: food and shelter. Curly Tail Lizards are opportunistic omnivores, feeding heavily on insects such as beetles, ants, and roaches, but they also consume seeds and fruits. They seek areas with abundant insect prey, often a direct result of human activity. For shelter, they are drawn to loose rubble, rock piles, discarded debris, and the foundational edges of structures that mimic the limestone outcroppings of their native environment.
Active Physical Removal and Trapping
To immediately reduce an existing lizard population, active physical removal and trapping offer the most direct solutions. Simple physical capture is effective for visible lizards, which are generally skittish but can be cornered using a long-handled net or a bucket. For more passive capture, construct a basic funnel trap by cutting the top off a plastic bottle, inverting it, and taping it back onto the base to create a one-way entrance. These traps can be baited with small insects, such as crickets or mealworms, which form a large part of their diet.
Commercial glue boards are another option for active removal, often utilizing roach pheromones to draw in the lizards, which mistake the scent for prey. If using these traps, they must be checked frequently, as they are non-target specific and can capture native species or small mammals. If a live lizard is caught, the glue can be deactivated by slowly pouring vegetable oil or mineral oil onto the affected areas, gently releasing the animal without damaging its thin skin. After release, the lizard should be cleaned with a mild dish soap and warm water solution to remove the oil residue, which can impede movement and natural functions.
Long-Term Deterrence Through Habitat Modification
Active removal should be coupled with long-term deterrence strategies that make the environment permanently unattractive to the lizards. One effective method involves eliminating the shelter they rely on for safety and nesting. This requires removing all non-essential ground debris, including wood stacks, rock piles, leaf litter, and construction materials near the home’s foundation. Keeping grass closely mowed and trimming back dense, low-lying vegetation reduces the protective cover available.
Structural exclusion is equally important to prevent lizards from seeking shelter inside or against a home. Inspect the foundation, walls, and utility entry points, sealing any cracks or gaps wider than a quarter-inch using weather-resistant caulk or expanding foam. Ensure all exterior doors and windows have tight-fitting seals and screens without holes to block interior access. Controlling the lizard’s food supply by using non-toxic means to reduce general insect populations will decrease the property’s attractiveness over time.
Handling and Legal Considerations
Before engaging in removal efforts, property owners should research local and state regulations regarding non-native species, as laws vary by jurisdiction. In areas like Florida, where the Curly Tail Lizard is invasive and competes with native anoles, removal is often encouraged to mitigate ecological impact. However, the release or relocation of captured invasive species is generally prohibited. Captured animals must be humanely dispatched or turned over to a qualified pest control specialist.
Handling these lizards requires caution, though they are not venomous. They are quick and may attempt to bite if cornered or handled roughly, so wearing thick gloves is necessary. If a non-target species, such as a native anole, is accidentally captured, handle it gently and release it in a safe, secluded location away from the removal area. The primary goal of any removal program should be to reduce the invasive population safely while minimizing harm to non-target wildlife.