Lizards In The Bedroom: Are They Making You Sick?

Lizards are generally harmless and can even be beneficial to have around the house. They eat insects, such as roaches, scorpions, and spiders, acting as a form of pest control. However, the presence of lizards in your bedroom may raise concerns about possible health risks. While lizards themselves do not pose a direct threat, the bacteria that can grow in their droppings do. Funky bacteria can grow out of control, leading to health issues such as skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory problems. To maintain a healthy living space, it is crucial to regularly clean your bedroom to prevent the buildup of dust, bacteria, and allergens.

Lizards can be carriers of harmful bacteria

It is generally safe to sleep in a bedroom with a lizard, as most common house lizards are harmless and not poisonous. However, it is important to note that lizards can carry harmful bacteria that can cause illness in humans.

Lizards, like all reptiles, carry a range of germs, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and worms, which can be transmitted to humans. While proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with having a lizard in your bedroom.

One of the most common bacterial infections associated with lizards is Salmonella. Lizards can be infected with Salmonella without showing any symptoms, and humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting contaminated feces, water, or other materials. Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In rare cases, it can lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Another serious bacterial infection that lizards can carry is Mycobacterium, which can cause skin ulcers or nodules, often on the hands. This infection is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or infected animals. Immunosuppressed individuals are particularly vulnerable to developing severe forms of the disease, including lymphadenitis and pulmonary disease similar to tuberculosis.

In addition to Salmonella and Mycobacterium, lizards can also carry other bacteria such as Campylobacter, Aeromonas, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella, which can cause gastroenteritis, wound infections, and other health issues in humans.

To minimize the risk of contracting a bacterial infection from a lizard in your bedroom, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices. This includes regularly cleaning the lizard's habitat, thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water after handling the lizard or its habitat, and ensuring that young children or individuals with weakened immune systems do not come into direct contact with the lizard or its surroundings.

In summary, while lizards can make interesting pets or unexpected roommates, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their presence. By taking proper precautions and maintaining good hygiene, you can reduce the likelihood of contracting a bacterial infection and safely coexist with these fascinating creatures.

They can enter human crevices and ears

While it is generally safe to sleep in a bedroom with a lizard, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding the potential risks of having these reptiles in your bedroom. Most common house lizards are harmless and non-venomous, but there are rare recorded cases of baby lizards entering the ears of humans during sleep.

To prevent lizards from entering your bedroom, it is important to keep your house clean and free of clutter, as lizards are attracted to places with insects, moisture, and shelter. Seal any cracks or openings in your home's foundation, windows, and doors to keep them from sneaking inside. You can also use natural repellents like onions, garlic, or chilli powder in areas where lizards may hide.

If you do find a lizard in your bedroom, there are several ways to safely remove it without harming the animal. One method is to use a glass jar and a piece of stiff cardboard to trap the lizard and release it outside. You can also try gently nudging the lizard towards an exit using a rolled-up newspaper or a peacock feather. Another option is to spray the lizard with cold water, which will encourage it to leave.

While lizards can be beneficial for pest control, it is important to take precautions to prevent them from entering your bedroom and to remove them safely if they do.

They can carry insects that may be harmful

Lizards are great at keeping the insect population down, but the insects they carry may be harmful to humans. Lizards eat all kinds of small insects, such as ants, spiders, flies, and bugs. While lizards are not poisonous, the insects they carry may be. For example, mosquitoes, which lizards eat, are known to carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Similarly, flies, which are also part of a lizard's diet, can transmit cholera, dysentery, and salmonella.

In addition to the potential health risks posed by the insects lizards carry, there are other considerations to keep in mind. Lizards can carry insects that may be harmful to your home or property. For example, termites, which can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, may be attracted to lizards in your bedroom. Similarly, cockroaches, which can contaminate food and spread diseases, may also be drawn to the presence of lizards.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that lizards can introduce insects into your bedroom that may be a nuisance. For instance, lizards may bring in ants, which can quickly invade your space and be difficult to get rid of. Similarly, spiders, which some people find frightening or unpleasant, may also be attracted to the presence of lizards in your bedroom.

While lizards can be beneficial in controlling the population of certain insects, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the insects they may carry. These insects can not only be harmful to your health but also to your property and comfort. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps to reduce the presence of insects in your bedroom, such as maintaining good hygiene, sealing entry points, and removing clutter. By taking these precautions, you can minimize the potential risks associated with the insects that lizards may carry.

They can be venomous

While it is generally safe to sleep with a lizard in your room, some lizards are venomous and can cause serious health issues.

There are only two species of lizards that are venomous to humans in all of North America: the Gila Monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. These lizards are native to the Sonoran Desert of North America and produce venom in glands within their lower jaws. They bite to inject the venom and often chew on their prey to make the venom penetrate deeper. While human deaths from these bites are rare, the side effects can include painful bites, nausea, and respiratory issues.

In addition to these two species, recent research has suggested that most lizards possess extremely mild venom that has little to no effect on humans but helps to incapacitate prey. For example, iguanas, a common pet lizard species, have been found to have primitive venom glands in their jaws that can produce and release a small amount of venom.

Therefore, while it is unlikely that a lizard in your bedroom will be venomous, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain lizard species. If you encounter a wild lizard in your bedroom, it is best to call animal control for help, especially if it is a large lizard such as a Gila Monster, Komodo Dragon, or Beaded Lizard, as these species are venomous or poisonous and can become aggressive when provoked.

They can be aggressive

While most common house lizards are timid and cautious, some larger species of lizards can be aggressive when provoked. The sources consulted mention the Gila Monster, Komodo Dragon, and Beaded Lizard as examples of lizards that can get aggressive and cause serious injuries. If you encounter one of these lizards in your bedroom, it is best to call animal control for help.

• Seal entry points: Close all doors and windows, stuff towels in cracks, and seal any gaps or holes to prevent the lizard from escaping to other rooms in your house.
• Use a natural repellent: Strong odors like cut onions, garlic cloves, or chili powder can repel lizards. Place these items around the lizard's hiding places.
• Trap the lizard: Use a jar or glass container to trap the lizard, then slide a piece of cardboard underneath. You can also try gently nudging the lizard with a rolled-up newspaper or peacock feather in the direction of an exit.
• Get a cat: Cats view lizards as prey and can help control the lizard population.
• Call for professional help: If you feel unsafe handling the lizard on your own, contact a pest control specialist or animal control service for assistance.

Frequently asked questions