Florida’s warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for a diverse population of reptiles, leading to frequent encounters between residents and lizards. While these small reptiles are a natural part of the ecosystem, their presence inside homes or in high numbers can become a nuisance for homeowners. Effective and long-term control focuses on understanding the specific lizards involved and systematically removing the elements that attract them to residential areas.
Understanding the Most Common Nuisance Lizards
The most frequently encountered lizards in Florida neighborhoods include both native and invasive species. The Cuban Brown Anole, a small, non-native lizard introduced from the Caribbean, is a primary nuisance that often outcompetes the native Green Anole. Another common visitor is the Mediterranean House Gecko, a nocturnal, non-native species often seen around exterior lights.
Accurate identification is helpful because invasive species are often the cause of population issues. The Cuban Brown Anole is generally brown or gray, whereas the native Green Anole can change its color from bright green to brown. The presence of these lizards is a direct result of food, water, and shelter availability, which guides management.
Modifying the Landscape for Deterrence
Lizards seek properties that offer abundant shelter and a steady supply of insects, making landscape modification the most sustainable deterrence method. Eliminating clutter, such as piles of wood, bricks, or debris, removes cool, dark hiding spots and nesting areas. Reducing dense ground cover, like thick ivy or low-growing shrubs, removes protective cover that shields lizards from predators.
Managing moisture is equally important, since standing water attracts insects. Repairing leaky outdoor faucets or sprinkler heads and ensuring water does not pool in garden containers or depressions significantly reduces the local insect population. Minimizing the use of bright outdoor lighting at night also helps, as these lights draw flying insects that lizards feed on. Applying natural repellents like a spray mixture of water and cayenne pepper or placing strong-smelling items such as garlic around the perimeter may also discourage their presence.
Excluding Lizards from Interior Spaces
Preventing lizards from gaining access to the interior is achieved through systematic physical exclusion, focusing on sealing all potential entry points. Lizards can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, requiring a detailed inspection of the entire building envelope. Gaps around door frames and windows should be addressed by installing weather stripping or door sweeps to create a tight seal.
Utility and pipe entry points into the home, which often have small gaps for cables or conduits, need to be sealed using caulk or expanding foam. Window and door screens must be inspected for tears or holes, and any damage should be promptly repaired with a fine mesh. Ensuring that foundation cracks are filled and that weep holes are covered with appropriate mesh material will close off low-level entryways.
Safe and Humane Removal Methods
For lizards that have already entered the home, removal should focus on humane methods to safely return the reptile to the outdoors. The simplest method involves using a broom or cardboard to gently herd the lizard into a container or an open door. Once contained, the lizard can be released into a distant area of the yard, away from the foundation.
If using sticky traps for insect control, exercise caution, as lizards often become unintentionally ensnared on the adhesive. A lizard stuck to a trap can be freed safely by carefully applying a food-grade oil, such as vegetable or mineral oil, to the area where the skin meets the glue. The oil dissolves the adhesive, allowing the lizard to be gently peeled away, wiped clean of excess oil, and released. For persistent or large-scale infestations, particularly with larger non-native species like iguanas or tegus, consulting a professional wildlife removal service may be necessary.