Keeping Geckos outside lanai slider/screen door

[woolman44]

Anyone have a clever idea on how to keep Geckos from entering an enclosed lanai through small gaps at top and bottom of sliding door/ screen?
I’ve used various methods from inside lanai, but I think an outside method would function and look more pleasing. Sheet metal from aluminum used as wiper has not deterred them.......help!

[REDCART]

I think the smaller anoles are also able to use the expansion joints that extend under the screen sill plate, to enter the lanai. However, If you block them you’ll also block the natural drainage for water. We also hate keeping the sliding doors closed to restrict the anoles from coming inside.

[Stu from NYC]

Keep an egret inside your house?

[shut the front door]

They aren't harmful, they will leave when they get the opportunity. Coming from a land of mosquitos, I don't really understand the fear of the anoles. I have a small net that I keep around just to get them and put them back outside, but they aren't snakes, gators or mosquitos so I would never spend a lot of time worrying about them. They're cute! Name them!

[CFrance]

They aren't harmful, they will leave when they get the opportunity. Coming from a land of mosquitos, I don't really understand the fear of the anoles. I have a small net that I keep around just to get them and put them back outside, but they aren't snakes, gators or mosquitos so I would never spend a lot of time worrying about them. They're cute! Name them!
I posthumously name the desiccated ones I find under the couch, RIP.

[woolman44]

I think the smaller anoles are also able to use the expansion joints that extend under the screen sill plate, to enter the lanai. However, If you block them you’ll also block the natural drainage for water. We also hate keeping the sliding doors closed to restrict the anoles from coming inside.

Your correct, it is actually more anoles than gecko’s getting inside. The little droppings they leave behind are biggest negative!

[HiHoSteveO]

Anyone have a clever idea on how to keep Geckos from entering an enclosed lanai through small gaps at top and bottom of sliding door/ screen?
I’ve used various methods from inside lanai, but I think an outside method would function and look more pleasing. Sheet metal from aluminum used as wiper has not deterred them.......help!

It is quicker and easier if you use the search function on TOTV
Start with "anole"
You'll see that it has been asked and answered many times before.

[JohnN]

a cat

[woolman44]

Yup, did the search earlier.....nothing helpful.

[2CopsMom]

Just an idea...but, I wonder if the snake repellent would keep them away. It is made from cinnamon, clove and other spice oils and is in granular form. You just sprinkle it around the foundation on the outside. Snakes apparently hate the scent (which is quite pleasant, by the way). Maybe anoles won't like it either. Might be worth a try. You can probably get it a Lowes or Home Depot.

[JULIE2049]

I use Rodent Sheriff, peppermint aroma, not harmful, no bugs like it. IT WORKS

[sasman29]

Get a cat :-)

[sallystew]

I've lived in FL for 30 years and learned early on just to leave them alone. They do nothing to harm your home, are beneficial to our environment and are definitely cuter than alligators and snakes!

[Jimf2018]

Silicone caulking around the outside edges has worked great.

[exohio]

We use individual wrapped moth ball packets placed under the lanai door. That seems to work. There is some odor though.

[matandch]

They have to poop somewhere. I don’t want that somewhere to be in my house. It becomes a breeding area for mold and bacteria. I set glue traps near the entrances to my house and lanai.

[JohnN]

Just an idea...but, I wonder if the snake repellent would keep them away. It is made from cinnamon, clove and other spice oils and is in granular form. You just sprinkle it around the foundation on the outside. Snakes hate the scent (which is quite pleasant, by the way). Maybe anoles won't like it either. Might be worth a try. You can probably get it a Lowes or Home Depot.

or perhaps ammonia? That's good for keeping some critters at bay.

[UseYourBrain]

Glue traps are cruel and inhumane. Just imagine if that were you and the process of dying. Just use the peppermint oil or some other natural way of repelling them.

[Girlcopper]

I've lived in FL for 30 years and learned early on just to leave them alone. They do nothing to harm your home, are beneficial to our environment and are definitely cuter than alligators and snakes!
Sorry, Im not leaving alone anything that doesnt belong in my house.

[jbrown132]

I think the smaller anoles are also able to use the expansion joints that extend under the screen sill plate, to enter the lanai. However, If you block them you’ll also block the natural drainage for water. We also hate keeping the sliding doors closed to restrict the anoles from coming inside.
I had the same problem at the door where they used sheet metal in front of the door. I noticed on each side of the sheet metal there were small opening. I stuffed a small amount of insulation in the openings on each side and this seemed to have stopped them.

[LeDia]

I make a mixture of 30 second cleaner with a little bleach. I clean the area and they stay away for a while!

[PoolBrews]

Get a cat... or two. They will catch any gecko that moves for you and will keep your lanai clear :) It also provides great entertainment, and will keep the cats happy!

[mike1921]

Get a cat...only issue then is you find dead anoles in the house....but like someone said just name them posthumously.......
If you find dead ones under the bed or furniture use a leaf blower to get them out

[Gulfcoast]

I live in Florida and we have a screened in porch. We also have lots of anoles outside but they don't actually get inside the screened porch that often and I don't think we've ever had one actually come inside the house when we've had the interior door open. I agree with the person who said get a net to scoop them up and set them back outside, maybe consider put a screened door on your interior door. That way when you open the door to enjoy the fresh air, there will be a barrier between the lanai and the inside of your house.

[AliAst]

a cat
Actually, one of my cats likes to bring them inside... alive and running around, while I then try to capture them. The net is a fabulous idea!

[Melaniesplace]

I think they are adorable and harmless🥰

[DAVES]

Anyone have a clever idea on how to keep Geckos from entering an enclosed lanai through small gaps at top and bottom of sliding door/ screen?
I’ve used various methods from inside lanai, but I think an outside method would function and look more pleasing. Sheet metal from aluminum used as wiper has not deterred them.......help!


Doesn't matter much for this topic but they are not geckos that is the logo for an insurance company they are likely Oreles-however it is spelled.

Confessions, when we first moved in, I saw one on the lanai and put water out for it as i didn't want it to die. Truth, reality they come and go at will. Somehow they hide under our door sill.

Since you will not win. Just be happy that they feed on insects. You will not be able to toilet train them either. Should you teach one to speak, I'm sure that insurance company
will buy it form you.

[MandoMan]

Get a cat... or two. They will catch any gecko that moves for you and will keep your lanai clear :) It also provides great entertainment, and will keep the cats happy!

What if the cats sTart trying to climb the screening to reach the anoles? That can cause quite a bit of damage.

[tombpot]

Agree on a cat they won’t want to come inside

[Coley]

Stuff steel wool in the small openings.

[George Page]

Get a Shotgun

[butch69]

Get a cat.

[CWGUY]

We use individual wrapped moth ball packets placed under the lanai door. That seems to work. There is some odor though.

:shrug: I'm sure the moths don't care for that at all..... :icon_wink:

[REDCART]

I think they are adorable and harmless🥰

They’re cute and harmless until you see one on your nightstand at 11 PM, just before retiring, and the wife says you’ve got to catch it because I’m not going to sleep with that lizard looking at me.

[Lottoguy]

Get the anti lizard spray on Amazon. Won't kill them but sends them packing!

[mady101]

Glue traps! Oh nooooo!

[grassiks]

My 16 year old cat does a good job of keeping the geckos under check. Actually, I like the geckos because they take care of the bugs.

[Stu from NYC]

They’re cute and harmless until you see one on your nightstand at 11 PM, just before retiring, and the wife says you’ve got to catch it because I’m not going to sleep with that lizard looking at me.

Funny how females want equality but when rodents are involved _______.

[ddebow]

A few geckos in our screen are welcome. Better than stray mosquitos and other small bugs. Enjoy seeing them catch them.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My cat:

Sees anole.
Stands there watching it.
Eventually sits down to watch it.
When I notice her sitting there, I notice that she isn't shifting her gaze to me.
I realize she's looking AT something, instead of just staring into space like she usually does.
I look toward the focus of her gaze, see the anole.
I tell the cat, "Good cat."
And we both sit there watching the anole.

It's a very zen experience.

[merrymini]

Do not use steel wool. It will rust and leave rust marks all over. Insulation gets wet. I use a nylon body scrub or part of one stuffed inside the aluminum door sill. Has worked like magic. Do not kill them! They eat insects and are not harmful. Essence of peppermint does work against insects but is pretty pricy stuff.

[Nipper]

I absolutely agree with you. There are more important things to worry about.

[philoret]

Various gaps can be filled with self stick foam weather strip, in various sizes and materials. Cuts with scissors. It depends on details of the door construction, where the gaps are. I fixed the poorly fitting screen doors on lanai here and some neighbors, where the threashold is not precisely fitted. Sliding screens in tracks can have gaps at the top, corners. I would have to see it to advise in more detail. Is there a Private Message feature here?
Besides the lizards, when it is raining you can get tree frogs (they seem to remain hiding in dry weather).

[PugMom]

Glue traps are cruel and inhumane. Just imagine if that were you and the process of dying. Just use the peppermint oil or some other natural way of repelling them.

actually peppermint oil is very good for repelling all kinds of things, including anoles. i don't mind the ones @ our villa. we have 2 that live in/out, & have named them, lol. i sweep or vaccum a few times a week, mostly for pet hair. it works for us. the number of insects they eat is amazing

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do not use steel wool. It will rust and leave rust marks all over. Insulation gets wet. I use a nylon body scrub or part of one stuffed inside the aluminum door sill. Has worked like magic. Do not kill them! They eat insects and are not harmful. Essence of peppermint does work against insects but is pretty pricy stuff.

You can get a 4-oz bottle from the Vitamin Shoppe for around $15. To use:

Mix 10 drops (around 1/2 a teaspoon) of the essential oil with 1 tablespoon of UNscented dish, hand, or laundry soap. Add 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Mix all that with a quart-sized spray bottle filled with water.

Spray as needed, avoid silk, wool, suede, and anything that might rust.

You can also add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to your chocolate frosting mix, after you're done cooking it and before you spread it on your cake.

A 4-oz bottle should last you around 2 years.

[JayK!]

They are 'anole' lizards. They do not bite. They are afraid of you and will hide from you. They eat bugs and worms. They keep your lanai clear of insects. They are harmless. Ignore them.

[big guy]

If a cat gets one, it will make him/her sick. Has happened to ours.

[talleyjm]

They have to poop somewhere. I don’t want that somewhere to be in my house. It becomes a breeding area for mold and bacteria. I set glue traps near the entrances to my house and lanai.

Who would even think of setting glue traps for these little scamps?

[CFrance]

They have to poop somewhere. I don’t want that somewhere to be in my house. It becomes a breeding area for mold and bacteria. I set glue traps near the entrances to my house and lanai.
So sad. What a horrible way to die. A breeding area for mold and bacteria--hogwash. Vacuum the droppings up.

[forebubba]

Anyone have a clever idea on how to keep Geckos from entering an enclosed lanai through small gaps at top and bottom of sliding door/ screen?
I’ve used various methods from inside lanai, but I think an outside method would function and look more pleasing. Sheet metal from aluminum used as wiper has not deterred them.......help!

My cat gets them

[DonH57]

Our cats usually torment and play with them. I think word got out among the Anole world our two cats are hunting them as we see less Anoles in our house now. I have saved a few from certain death and released them outside.:ho: