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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Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
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Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
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