[JenAjd]

I'm posting another "newbie" question. We have a cottage series house and being from the mid-west we have screens on our windows and patio doors up north. I'd LOVE to open up the lanai door but once in a while see geckos out there and really don't want them in the house. Would anyone have an idea on how to keep them outside?? PLUS...would love to know how to find a patio-screen door that would fit. Thoughts and ideas would be appreciated!!!

Originally Posted by JenAjd

I'm posting another "newbie" question. We have a cottage series house and being from the mid-west we have screens on our windows and patio doors up north. I'd LOVE to open up the lanai door but once in a while see geckos out there and really don't want them in the house. Would anyone have an idea on how to keep them outside?? PLUS...would love to know how to find a patio-screen door that would fit. Thoughts and ideas would be appreciated!!!

My dog's past time is to hunt geckos. He can get anything that comes on the lanai but if it comes into the house that is another story. We could have an uninvited guest for a few weeks or more.

A cat might be a better idea for talent at hunting things that get in the house even if you might have to put up with the cat dumping it at your feet for a petting. My hunter of a Burmese/Siamese mix used to do that with birds and stuff she nabbed.

[pooh]

The little beasties sit at my door, waiting for me to open it.... Actually, they much more enjoy sitting on my patio furniture.

If they get into the house, they'll die somewhere and sort of dry out. Have found a deceased anole behind my desk and a live one in the wastebasket. If you want a screen for your sliding doors, call one of the companies that puts up bird cages around here, they can probably help or tell you who can. T&D, White's Aluminum come to mind for cage installers.

I do enjoy the little creatures, they are entertaining to watch, keep bugs on the lanai to a minimum and really seem to enjoy stretching out on my outdoor furniture. I don't mind, but they do leave a little "deposit" behind. I'm going to have to leave a scrub brush and cleaner for them to clean up after themselves.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

You might also take a measurement and go to Lowes or home Depot.
They both have standard sized sliding screen doors. I had to replace mine a couple years ago. Make sure you get the better quality screen as the cheaper ones are flimsy and will not hold up.

[zcaveman]

My understanding is that these anoles (mistakenly referred to as geckos) are poisonous to animals. I would keep them away from them.

If you find an anole in the house, sneak up behind him with a dish towel, toss the dish towel over the anole and wrap it gently around the anole and take him outside and shake him out so he gets back to his normal habitat. Do not pick him up by the tail as it will snap off.

It is easy and works every time.

For those that are gender challenged, replace him with her if you want.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

My understanding is that these anoles (mistakenly referred to as geckos) are poisonous to animals. I would keep them away from them.

If you find an anole in the house, sneak up behind him with a dish towel, toss the dish towel over the anole and wrap it gently around the anole and take him outside and shake him out so he gets back to his normal habitat. Do not pick him up by the tail as it will snap off.

It is easy and works every time.

For those that are gender challenged, replace him with her if you want.

ARE YOU SURE they aren't geckos? Last fall one of them tried to sell me insurance!

[mak44070]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

ARE YOU SURE they aren't geckos? Last fall one of them tried to sell me insurance!

Our GracieGirl is back!

[FMF Doc]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

ARE YOU SURE they aren't geckos? Last fall one of them tried to sell me insurance!

Invite them in and then use ZCaveman's idea. It's so easy even a ZCaveman can do it.

[Sherman931]

Geckos in the house are supposed to be good luck.

[K9-Lovers]

Originally Posted by Sherman931

Geckos in the house are supposed to be good luck.

Not for the gecko!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

My understanding is that these anoles (mistakenly referred to as geckos) are poisonous to animals. I would keep them away from them.

If you find an anole in the house, sneak up behind him with a dish towel, toss the dish towel over the anole and wrap it gently around the anole and take him outside and shake him out so he gets back to his normal habitat. Do not pick him up by the tail as it will snap off.

It is easy and works every time.

For those that are gender challenged, replace him with her if you want.

I love Caveman's compassionate removal technique.

I checked "Wikianswers.com" and they say anoles are not poisonous to animals. However I don't let my dogs catch them just in case. And also because geckos are adorable and eat bugs.

[EdV]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

ARE YOU SURE they aren't geckos? Last fall one of them tried to sell me insurance!

[zcaveman]

Something to read. They ain't geckos.


http://floridagardener.com/critters/anoles.htm

Maybe not poisonous to some of you but they can carry salmonella and can harm/kill your pets.

But don't trust my info. Wait until it happens. Or ask your vet.

[Lucko]

FWIW -- I'm told that Anoles keep the spider population under control -- we have a few anoles that survived last years freeze, but no spiders -- Anoles like to come in where the screened porch meets the house, you have to seal up under the first piece of siding to keep them out of the lanai -- I prefer anoles (outside) to spiders !!!

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by Lucko

FWIW -- I'm told that Anoles keep the spider population under control -- we have a few anoles that survived last years freeze, but no spiders -- Anoles like to come in where the screened porch meets the house, you have to seal up under the first piece of siding to keep them out of the lanai -- I prefer anoles (outside) to spiders !!!

True. They eat the spiders and other small bugs. And the ibises and snakes take care of the anoles. One year a flock of ibis (the birds with the long beaks) landed in my yard and did a job on the anoles. I went to the door to look at them and saw them doing their thing. I told the wife to stay away but she had to look and she got to see the harvesting. Not a pretty sight.

If the anoles do get into the lanai and stay awhile you will see the anole poop all over the lanai. Just a fact of life.