Which Types of Lizards Live Near Homes?
There are more species of lizards than any other reptile in the world, though most varieties are rarely seen near residential neighborhoods. However, the types of lizards that do frequent populated areas persistently invade homes. Western fence lizards, house geckos, and brown or green anoles are experts at squirming through cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Green iguanas are also a common sight around lawns, patios, and swimming pools.
Recognizing Different Types of Lizards
Western fence lizards have distinctive blue patches on the sides of their bellies. Brown and green anoles match the color descriptions in their names and tend to have thin, pointed faces. Common house geckos, on the other hand, are gray to ashy pink with larger eyes and a smoother appearance than the scaly anole. All of these lizards typically only measure between three and eight inches long, so they're easy to separate from green iguanas, which grow to between 12 and 17 inches in length.
Damage Caused
Having lizards around the house affects residents differently depending on the species. Fence lizards, geckos, and anoles leave behind messy poop that stains fabric and startle people with their sudden, quick movements. Larger and more intimidating, iguanas can bite, scratch, or whip their tails, though like most lizards, they would rather run away when confronted. Some species will even detach their tails and leave them behind as a distraction rather than attack. Iguanas also dig in lawns, collapse sidewalks, and eat garden fruit.
Exclusion & Removal
With few reliable options for repellants and poisons, habitat modification and trapping remain the most successful ways to get rid of lizards. Eliminating insects, fixing broken screens, and plugging holes will keep many different types of lizards out of the house. To exclude iguanas, avoid planting soft fruits, roses, orchids, and other foliage that attracts them. Instead, choose varieties they dislike such as milkweed, oleander, and citrus fruits.
While trapping can be effective, it often requires close contact with the pests, which may lead to injury or Salmonella infection. Equipped for the job at hand, Critter Control's wildlife experts can remove any type of lizard threatening property or peace of mind.
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Customer Reviews
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.
Serivces:
Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Chattanooga
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.
Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
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Detroit, MI
Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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Seattle, WA
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
We have a vacation home in
Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.
We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of
mice droppings.
We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .
Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!
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