Having a skink in your house can be startling, but these harmless lizards usually cause no damage and can be removed humanely. Skinks are beneficial creatures, feeding on insects, but their unexpected indoor visits often prompt homeowners to seek ways to gently guide them back outside. This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying, removing, and preventing skinks in your home safely and effectively.
Understanding Skinks: What Are They?
Common Skink Species Found Indoors
Skinks are small to medium-sized lizards with smooth, shiny scales and a distinctive sleek body shape. Common species found in homes include the five-lined skink, ground skinks, and garden skinks, depending on your region.
Are Skinks Harmful or Dangerous?
Skinks are generally harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite unless provoked and are more likely to flee than fight. Their presence can be beneficial as they consume pests like spiders, ants, and cockroaches.
Why Do Skinks Enter Homes?
Attracted by Food and Shelter
Skinks seek warm, safe places with access to insects and moisture, making homes an attractive option, especially in cooler months.
Seasonal Behavior and Climate
In colder seasons, skinks look for warmth indoors, while in hot climates, they seek cooler, shaded areas inside homes.
How to Identify Skink Presence in Your House
Signs of Skinks Indoors
Look for quick-moving small lizards, shed skins, or small tracks near moist or dark areas.
Where Skinks Typically Hide
Skinks often hide under furniture, inside basements, closets, or near water sources.
Preparing to Remove Skinks Safely
Tools and Materials Needed
- Gloves
- Small container or box with a lid
- Stiff cardboard or paper for guiding
- Flashlight (if needed)
- Humane traps (optional)
Safety Precautions
Avoid direct handling to reduce stress for the skink and prevent accidental injury.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Skink Out of Your House
Step 1: Locate the Skink
Find where the skink is hiding or moving.
Step 2: Create an Exit Path
Open doors or windows leading outdoors to encourage escape.
Step 3: Use Humane Traps or Containers
Carefully trap the skink using a container and a piece of cardboard to cover the opening.
Step 4: Encourage Skink to Leave with Gentle Tools
Use gentle prodding, avoiding harm, to guide the skink towards the exit.
Step 5: Seal Entry Points to Prevent Return
Check and seal cracks, vents, or gaps where skinks enter.
Natural and Chemical Repellents for Skinks
Safe Natural Repellents
Use garlic spray, pepper, or citrus oils near suspected entry points.
When to Use Chemical Solutions
Resort to chemicals only if infestation is severe, and always follow label safety instructions.
Preventive Tips to Keep Skinks Out
Home Maintenance and Yard Care
Keep your yard tidy, remove debris, and trim vegetation near the house.
Proper Food Storage
Store food and trash securely to avoid attracting insects and skunks.
FAQs About Removing Skinks from Your House
1. Can I catch a skink with my bare hands?
It’s best to use a container to avoid harming the skink or yourself.
2. Are skinks poisonous?
No, skinks are not poisonous and pose no threat.
3. How do I keep skinks from coming back?
Seal entry points and keep the house and yard clean.
4. Do skinks damage homes?
Skinks generally don’t cause damage.
5. What should I do if I find baby skinks?
Handle them gently and release them outdoors away from predators.
6. Can I use sticky traps for skinks?
No, sticky traps can injure or kill skinks and should be avoided.
Conclusion: Humane and Effective Skink Removal
Getting a skink out of your house doesn’t have to be stressful or harmful. With patience, the right tools, and preventive measures, you can safely guide these helpful lizards back outdoors and keep your home skink-free. Remember, skinks are part of a healthy ecosystem, and humane removal is always the best choice.
