The Egg-Laying Process
Lizards lay eggs in clutches of up to twenty at a time, which is why their populations grow each season. In early spring, most types of lizards gather in groups to begin the mating process. Females prefer physically fit males with few parasites to protect babies from danger during their 11 week incubation. Mothers lay two to three clutches per mating season. This abundant egg production allows lizard populations to thrive despite environmental calamities or predation. It also ensures that property owners with a lizard infestation will likely have to deal with nests.
Where Do Lizards Lay Eggs?
Lizards lay their eggs anywhere dark and moist, such as under woodpiles, sheds, and decks. Nesting sites can also be found beneath shrubs and in areas of tall grass. Younger, smaller females produce fewer eggs than older, larger ones, and experienced lizards can instinctually scope out safer nesting sites. Upon selecting a location, females dig holes to carefully bury their eggs. Lizard hatchlings emerge between May and July, but about 40 percent of them don’t make it to adulthood.
Problems with Predators
Opossums and raccoons are able to sniff out and dig up lizard nesting sites with ease. These pests spread diseases like rabies or giardia to humans and leave parasite-infested feces near sidewalks. Newborn lizards are bite-sized morsels in the eyes of snakes, coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey, as well. Raptors and owls flock to properties where lizards lay eggs, creating competitive situations that often lead to conflicts. Due to protective parent lizards and the risk of lizard predators hanging around the nesting sites, it’s best to contact Critter Control to deal with these pests and their eggs.