In some parts of North America, particularly in the temperate regions such as California and Arizona, you may find little lizards scurrying around in ceilings and walls. They're called by many names, depending on where you are, such as Pacific house gecko, Asian gecko, or just simply house lizard. While they're generally harmless, house lizards tend to elicit some surprised and scared reactions from people, especially teenage girls, because of the lizard's tendency to sometimes drop off the ceiling they're stuck on. The fact that they generally look scary at quick glance, owing to their reptilian heritage, does not help matters any. Originally, the house lizard was a native of Southeastern Asia and the northern parts of Africa. They then spread throughout the world via ships and now, they are also common in the southern half of the United States where they were introduced via New Mexico. They have also spread to large parts of Australia (For more information on Australia, read The guide to Australia), and are starting to appear in England. They are usually kept as pets, where they are placed in a vivarium with a clean substrate. Due to their nature, they typically require a heat source to regulate their body temperature. A system of plants and humidifiers are also placed within to provide them with moisture.
Getting Rid of House Lizards
Some lizards are downright nasty, becoming dangerous pests. House lizards, while not in the dangerous category, are often subjected to eviction in people's homes. It could be because people are scared of them, or just want reptile-free houses. In any case, whether you want the lizards out because your little daughter or sister screamed her heart out at seeing it, or the sight of a reptile stuck on your ceiling bothers you, here are some useful tips to help you boot those reptiles out of your abode.
•Employ the help of your pets. You can employ the strategy of fighting fire with fire by having your pets deal with the house lizard problem. Cats, in particular, seem perfectly adept at getting rid of them, since cats are naturally curious by nature and they can also be vicious. They also tend to bully or hunt down prey that are just the right size (such as house lizards and mice). If you have a pet cat or two handy, expect a decrease of the number of house lizards in your home.Sometimes, though, the plan can backfire. Cats and dogs may bring lizards into your home with the intention of making a meal out of them later. The problem is when these lizards are not dead, just stunned, and then take refuge inside your house in order to recover. Such an incident may well be the start of the arrival of other house lizards into your home.
•Get rid of their food supply. House lizards subsist mainly on insects, so if your house is not well protected against them, then you'll also have problems with lizards. Get rid of the insects and you'll soon say goodbye to reptiles lurking in corners.Screen your windows and doors so nothing can come in. Make it a point to occasionally spray pesticides and insecticides so you'll kill mosquitoes and moths that are the usual food for house lizards.
Keep the grass and bushes on your lawn trimmed short to discourage the proliferation of insects. If you're living in a place where the climate is usually tropical, such as Florida, then it is especially recommended that you follow these tips as most insects thrive on humid environments.
•Use lizard repellents. There are lizard repellents being sold in stores that are reportedly effective in getting house lizards away. These repellents can come in various forms. There's the spray-based repellent and there are also chalk-based repellents. If your house is plagued by lizards, chances are your neighbors might be, too. Ask them if they have tried an effective repellent. You may also check the Internet for lizard repellent reviews. There are also repellents that drive away both lizards and insects so you might want to check on them as well.
•Use flypaper. You might think that flypaper is only effective for flies, but you can be wrong. Flypapers can be laid down in areas where lizards usually appear, such as near corners or where there are lights and bulbs where insects and moths tend to gather. Another way for you to trap lizards involves a little bit of dexterity and quickness. Using a box, try to corner a lizard and once you do, immediately cover it with the box. Use a thin piece of cardboard to slide under the box so it will serve as the covering for the box once you turn it over. Carry the covered box outside and then release the lizard a few dozen meters or so from your house. Just make sure it's somewhere far enough that the lizard can't return, else you will just be exerting for nothing.
•Repair any holes or cracks in your home. Lizards can squeeze in small cracks and holes you think are impossible to get to. Check every nook and cranny of your house for places that a lizard might enter. Check the outside of your house for any cracks and openings as well. Again, place metal screens on your windows. You can also use other sealants to patch openings up since reptiles can't eat through them.
As mentioned earlier, lizards aren't generally dangerous to humans. In fact, in Asian countries, lizards are generally left alone since they are effective in controlling household insects such as mosquitoes and little moths. It is up to you to decide whether they're pests or not. If you loved this article you'll sure love reading how to get rid of lizards and how to control geckos