Trapped Anole

[FoPAA]

We have had a poor little trapped anole living between our lanai acrylic and the screen for MONTHS now. Every time we open the slider to try to catch it it runs away out of reach, but it hasn’t been able to figure out an exit. Any ideas how to catch and release him before we have to remove his little body?

[vintageogauge]

If he's been in there for months he must be eating and drinking. If you want him out open the slider and leave it open for awhile, he'll figure it out.

[Mortal1]

Well it's just a lizard and plentiful to the extreme. You'll release it and a bird/snake will scarf it up. Without seeing the situation it's difficult to suggest a solution. I catch and release many of them every year.

[Bjeanj]

You should be able to lift the windows out. A friend of ours gave us a butterfly net when we moved here, which has proved to be invaluable in our catch and release efforts.

[n8xwb]

If he got in (which he obviously did) without your help, he can get out!

[Gpsma]

Had one yesterday. Have two cats, one, old, doesnt care...second one young, its a toy. Ive saved a couple of them. But the younger cat got it.

Its nature...cant fight it all the time.

[sdeikenberry]

If the same one has been there for months, it's OK...it's getting nourishment somewhere. Don't fret...

[jakers]

Take the outside screen off

[Rbm77]

Had one somehow sheltering in the outlet flipbox on enclosed lanai. After the 2nd time of jumping out at me when I opened it and running off, I googled anoles and found out they do not like garlic. Chopped up some garlic and put it inside the box and have not seen him in there again. I now put pieces of garlic around the outside door and they no longer loiter around that door.

[DAVES]

We have had a poor little trapped anole living between our lanai acrylic and the screen for MONTHS now. Every time we open the slider to try to catch it it runs away out of reach, but it hasn’t been able to figure out an exit. Any ideas how to catch and release him before we have to remove his little body?

Confession-when we first moved I noticed we had one. I was putting out water for it.
Truth they come and go on their own.

[tallyhoer]

This happens to me all the time. They get between the screen and the acrylic sliders. I open the slider and move the anole to a location I can capture it. I use a stick to gently prod him then put a small plastic food storage bin over him and when he jumps into the bin which is over him and pressed against the screen. I slide the cover to the bin over to close and then release it outside. Works for me.

[JP]

Just grab them with your hand. They can't hurt you. Of course, wash your hands after the "capture". Just be careful not to catch them by their tail. It will come off--its a defense mechanism. If that happens, don't worry. They will grow a new one.

[Garywt]

I have been able to use a red solo cup to trap them and release them outside. It takes some time but have done it a couple times.

[dougawhite]

I have been able to use a red solo cup to trap them and release them outside. It takes some time but have done it a couple times.

Be sure to drink the beer first!

[Holpat39]

Open the slider and leave open for a few hours. It will eventually come out and you can shoo it out the open lanai door or take an empty plastic container and a piece of cardboard. Drop container over the little critter and slide the cardboard under it as a cover.

[flflowers]

I thought the same after a couple weeks trying to get one out thinking it would die...finally shooed him out the door one day only to have one back the next! Yesterday I had FOUR inside, today none.....they are definitely able to come and go as they please.

[Roron123]

We get them also they stay in the frame work of the door that’s how they get in you will see them popping their heads out through the door ������ just leave them alone they will be fine!

[Mlogan22@tampabay.rr.com]

You should give him a name. Anoles love to live between screens and windows. The lights in your house at night attract bugs to your windows, an Anole’s smorgasbord. He’s living the best life, the screen protects him from predators.