My mother, who is in her 80s (!) can catch just about any anole with a big 2' x 2' square of nylon net (you can still buy it at Jo-Ann Fabric or in a Walmart that still has a sewing department). You toss it or drop it over the anole - they usually get caught up in it - scoop it up and take the whole thing outside. Shake it out and the anole runs along. Nylon net is reusable. :)

Tell me if it works for you!

Carol in Jacksonville

Thanks for the idea, Carol. I'll get some netting and give it a try!
Marcia

The way I do it is to use a large plastic bowl, preferably with transparent sides. It allows you to 'capture' a larger area so the lizard is less likely to escape (or even run since your hand doesn't actually approach). Once trapped within the confines of the bowl, slide the bowl until the Anole is near the bottom edge and tilt open the top edge. Slip your hand into this top opening and they will hop into the bowl to escape. Then just tote them outside. This works best with squared or rectangular tupperware-type containers. Some people will use a piece of paper instead of their hand since it is thinner and you don't have to open the edge as much.

I use a wide-mouth jar and a piece of paper, but given that it's already wary of you I think the net sounds like the best way.

Just buy a child's butterfly net. Easy to catch. You can buy the nets at Walmart or Target. Just scoop him up and put him outside. They get in my house sometimes so I keep 2 butterfly nets in my lanai.

I grow orchids and sometimes when I bring a flowering plant inside to enjoy, I don't realize there is a lizard in the pot. You don't need to buy netting, just get a cheap butterfly net. Works well for snakes and other things you don't want to kill.

Jane

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if I'm successful! I feel bad for the critter. He is often on the lanai screen on the inside and another anole is on the screen on the outside, while they 'display' to each other. I'm sure he'd be much happier outside.
Marcia

Couldn't find a butterfly net, so I bought some netting and went out to capture the invader. When I saw him on the screen, I went out and chased him around the lanai for half an hour. He found lots of places to hide, so I started removing things. I found 2 small lizard skeletons, too :(. I finally caught a very pale brown anole hiding on the aluminum track of the patio door. I'm not sure if it's the same one or not. The one I was chasing was a darker brown but perhaps I scared him nearly to death.

Anyway, one lizard is now free to roam the great outdoors. I hope he gets along OK. I'll keep my eyes out in case there is a second one on the lanai. Surely he'll get over his fright and come out again!
Marcia

Oh Marcia, I'm sorry it was such a long chase but I'm glad you finally set him (one of them?) free! You know, I'll have to ask my mother tonight what is her exact technique... maybe I don't have it quite right. At the moment, Jane's butterfly net sounds easier. I'll let you know what Mom says.

Carol

Drat! I saw the darker brown lizard on the lanai just now! And didn't catch him. I'll let him have some peace for a couple of days before I try again. He runs as soon as he sees me. I think they are getting in under the screen door so will have to try to remedy that.
Marcia

None of my efforts to trap the lizard worked (bottle trap with insects, netting, garbage can) but when we came home from shopping today he was sitting on the screen door, so I opened it quickly and shooed him outside. Instead of running to hide or looking for bugs to eat, he does a face off with another anole and they get into a lip lock! I went outside to break it up but they're at it again. :) Very glad he's on his own now!
Marcia

Sounds like my house!! I love watching my little anoles and other critters!