Speaking of anoles... - Orchid Board

Vanessa · #1 09-29-2008, 03:18 PM

I have a black one in my spare bedroom where my orchids grow. I really don't want to start a lizard population INSIDE my house as I have scads of them outdoors. Any ideas how to lure him/her humanely outdoors? Or even how to catch him/her without harm? They are such delicate little things.

Swamper · #2 09-29-2008, 03:27 PM

I have no idea how to lure them other than dressing like a lizard and pretending to be a mate.
I usually just grab them. I palm the whole body then feel for the neck and gently carry them out. Dont grab the tail as they break off easily and Im not sure how long they take to grow back.
Im sure there are other ways. Cant wait to hear about it though.

Vanessa · #3 09-29-2008, 03:52 PM

"I have no idea how to lure them other than dressing like a lizard and pretending to be a mate."

Swamper I'm fresh out of lizard attire right now.

I just removed the yellow sticky bug tape in the grow room. Last year I found his/her friend stuck frozen in time and space.

Swamper · #4 09-29-2008, 05:18 PM

heheheh....just grab that critter

Vanessa · #5 09-29-2008, 05:54 PM

Man this thing is elusive! I can't seem to catch him. I need to get to him/her before Remy the monster cat does.

JennS · #6 10-01-2008, 05:29 PM

Use a large tupperware or bowl to catch him under. Then slide a piece of paper under it very gently to secure him inside the tupperware. If you use a clear one then you can see the critter and make sure you don't damage him. That is what I do when they are really fast...otherwise, just pick 'em up and tell them you are the geico gecko!

IraGlacialis · #7 10-02-2008, 10:01 AM

Frankly, I myself wouldn't bother with it considering that it will probably keep the insect level down in the house. But that's just me.
I remember living in Jakarta and having geckos live all around the house. But we didn't mind because they ate all the pests. Occasionally we would hear a machine-gun-like noise due one bashing a cockroach, that was the same size as it, repeatedly against the ceiling.

But if you really need it removed, I would suggest catching it by hand if your reflexes are fast enough.

susiep · #8 10-02-2008, 12:55 PM

I always rescue the lizards and geckos that get in my house because of the sure death that awaits them from my fierce house cats. I usually just grab them, but I have also used the net from my aquarium. It gives you an extra 6-8 inches to sneak up on them. You can then slide something stiff like cardboard (I use a metal cookie sheet) underneath the edge of the net. Be careful not to squish their legs or tail! I actually caught a mouse in the aquarium net recently. My cat caught him outside and brought it in to show me and it wasn't dead! So we had to chase it around the house for 2 days! I just let it go in the woods. Poor scared little thing! I try to catch and release all critters, even the ugly and creepy ones. Only exceptions for me are ants and roaches.

Junebug · #9 10-03-2008, 12:34 PM

I usually cup my hand over them and gently try to get a grip somewhere between their shoulders and head. If you grip them any lower they can twist around and you might get a little harmless nip.

Vanessa · #10 10-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Hey thanks gang!

I was able to get it out to the lanai. He/her was on the rim of one of my orchid pots so I quickly ushered it's little butt out of the house and it jumped off after I got to lanai. This morning I went in the growroom to water and found it's twin.

I'll use your ideas to get him/her out as well. susiep my concern is my 15 pound Persian will have a new cat toy to maul so I can totally relate.