Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Wildlife · Pest guide

Lizards control

Geckos and anoles indoors: harmless, but here is how to keep them out.

When to call a pro

Lizards at a glance

Scientific name
Order Squamata (geckos, anoles)
Size
3 to 8 inches (8–20 cm)
Appearance
Small reptiles; geckos have sticky toe pads, anoles change color
Where found
Porches, walls near lights, garages; indoors in warm states
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When lizards are active Peak: Apr–Sep
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Low
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Small droppings with a white tip
  • Lizards near porch lights at night

Call a professional when

  • Rarely needed; large invasive species in some southern states
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Seal gaps around doors and screens
  • Reduce insects near lights
  • Keep vegetation away from walls

Our lizards guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep lizards out

  1. Seal gaps around doors and screens
  2. Reduce insects near lights
  3. Keep vegetation away from walls

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Snakes Why snakes visit, which are venomous and how to make a yard less inviting. Spiders Mostly harmless and useful, but brown recluses and black widows need care. Cockroaches German, American and Oriental roaches: where they hide and the baits that end an infestation.
Photo credits

Thank you to Ryan Hodnett and Oliver Ren for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0