If a lizard bites you, don't panic. Do this
Picture this: a common house lizard darting across your living room wall, or a slightly larger one lurking near a garden hose in your backyard. You flinch, and wonder—can this little creature actually bite me? It's a question coming from your curiosity, but with a touch of fear. The short answer? Yes, lizards can bite, but the story isn't as alarming as you might think.
Let's unpack the science, the facts, and the myths, so next time you spot one, you'll know exactly how to respond.
The house lizard: A scary roommate or harmless insect eater?
If you live in India or Southeast Asia, chances are you're referring to the common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). These small, pale lizards are nocturnal insect hunters, often spotted near light sources at night.
Can they bite you? Technically, yes. But:
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO
Their jaws are tiny and weak.
They're far more scared of you than you are of them.
Bites usually occur only if you try to catch or trap them.
And even if they do bite, it's harmless and non-venomous. At most, it might feel like a sharp pinch. While not dangerous, all reptiles can carry Salmonella bacteria, so it's still important to wash your hands after contact.
Most house lizards are shy, non-aggressive creatures that only bite in self-defence. In India, species like the Bengal monitor or garden lizard may look intimidating but rarely bite unless caught or mishandled.
Small openings such as ceiling cracks, windows, and ventilation systems serve as entry points, allowing lizards to sneak inside. (Source: Freepik)
What to do if a lizard bites you
Don't panic. Here's your go-to response:
Clean the wound with soap and water.
Apply an antiseptic cream.
Monitor for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever.
See a doctor if bitten by a larger or exotic species, or if symptoms persist.
If bitten while travelling in remote areas with unknown wildlife, always consult a local physician or herpetologist.
Lizards are often misunderstood creatures. In Indian folklore, their chirps are considered omens; in science, they are evolutionary marvels, with over 6,000 species worldwide. Whether they're nibbling insects on your wall or lurking in a zoo exhibit, most lizards would rather be left alone.
So the next time you spot one scurrying across the ceiling, remember—it's more likely to run from you than bite. And in the rare event it does, you now know what to do.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
32 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Indian Embassy in Germany celebrates International Day of Yoga
Berlin [Germany], June 23 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Germany celebrated the International Day of Yoga on Sunday with diplomats, friends of India, and Yoga practitioners. The theme of the event was 'Yoga for One Earth. Yoga for One Health'. In a post on X, the Embassy stated, 'Glimpses of a one-of-a-kind celebration of International Day of Yoga 2025. Embassy of India in Berlin and The Tagore Centre hosted a serene Yoga session on two boats on Wannsee Lake in Berlin -- bringing together diplomats, friends of India and Yoga practitioners. The calm & scenic setting helped bring into focus this year's theme- 'Yoga for One Earth. Yoga for One Health'.' 'Dresden celebrated 11th International Day of Yoga with enthusiastic participation by hundreds of Yoga practitioners at the city's historic Altmarkt. Embassy of India in Berlin and The Tagore Centre, in collaboration with Indian Association Dresden e.V., hosted Yoga session, with instructors from Art of Living Deutschland Sudarshan Kriya and supported by TU Dresden and the City of Dresden. Supported by vibrant Indian community in Saxony, the session brought together people of all backgrounds in a collective experience of harmony and mindfulness. Yoga for One Earth. Yoga for One Health,' it said. Earlier on the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Sri Lanka, and the Indian Embassies in Riyadh, Russia, and Tokyo enthusiastically celebrated the day. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, with the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health.' This theme echoes the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, hailing yoga as a gift 'beyond age' that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in 'health and harmony'. Following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated across the world annually on 21st June since 2015. It is celebrated with the aim of spreading awareness about the multiple benefits of Yoga and inspiring individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle. (ANI)
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Indian Express
Air India crash: 251 DNA samples match, 245 bodies handed over to kin
Almost 10 days after the London-bound Air India flight with 242 persons on board plunged into a medical hostel complex in Meghaninagar moments after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, the DNA samples of 251 victims have been matched. Further, a total of 245 bodies have been handed over to the families as of Sunday evening while six families will receive the bodies shortly, said Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. In a video statement on Sunday evening, Dr Joshi said that the 245 victims whose bodies had been handed over included 176 Indian citizens, seven Portuguese, 49 British citizens, one Canadian and 12 on-ground persons. Since the process of matching the DNA samples is very sensitive and legal matters are also involved, this process is being completed very seriously and as fast as possible, said Dr Joshi. National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and forensic science laboratory (FSL) among other institutions are associated with the process. Additionally, personnel from the local administration, state Health Department and other agencies are also helping in the process. Of the 245 bodies handed over to families, 195 belong to 22 districts in Gujarat, including 24 from Vadodara, 12 from Kheda, Ahmedabad 70, Mehsana 7, Botad 1, Aravalli 3, Anand 28, Bharuch 7, Surat 12, Banaskantha 3, Gandhinagar 7, Junagadh 1, Amreli 2, Gir Somnath 5, Mahisagar 1, Bhavnagar 1, Rajkot 3, Jamnagar 2, Patan 3, Dwarka 2, and Sabarkantha 1. Further, 40 bodies were transported to other states and UTs, including Rajasthan 10, Maharashtra 13, Diu 14, Nagaland 1, Manipur 1, and Bihar 1. The mortal remains of 10 victims were sent to London by international flights, said officials.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Alia Bhatt's nutritionist says stop drinking fruit juices, they are poisoning you. Switch to the right thing instead
Celebrity nutritionist Siddhant Bhargava, who has worked with stars like Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday and Sara Ali Khan, is challenging a common health assumption — that fruit juices are a healthy choice. According to Bhargava, most people are being misled into thinking they're making nutritious choices when they reach for a glass of fruit juice. But in reality, they may be doing more harm than good. In an Instagram reel on his handle, Bhargava explains that while whole fruits are indeed packed with essential vitamins and minerals, the same cannot be said for their juiced versions. The problem, he points out, lies in what's lost during the juicing process. When fruits are juiced, their natural fibre is removed — the very fibre that slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Without this fibre, the sugar in fruits enters the body rapidly, causing sudden insulin spikes. The nutritionist refers to fruit juices as nothing more than "colourful sugar water." He adds that the process of juicing — especially with commercial juicers that generate heat — also reduces the vitamin and mineral content of the fruit. What's left behind is mostly sugar in liquid form, which is often wrongly marketed as healthy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now What Should You Do Instead? Rather than reaching for a glass of juice, Bhargava recommends eating whole fruits. The fibre in whole fruits plays a critical role in moderating blood sugar levels and keeping you full for longer. It also helps in maintaining gut health, which juicing simply cannot replicate. Bhargava suggests that the natural sugars in fruits are not inherently bad, but they are meant to be consumed along with the fruit's fibre. By extracting the juice and discarding the fibre, people end up consuming concentrated sugar that could lead to health issues over time — including increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and poor metabolic health. Bhargava's comments also highlight how the health food industry often misleads consumers. He criticises the way fruit juices are packaged and promoted in the market, suggesting that they're being sold at a premium despite lacking actual nutritional value. The popularity of bottled juices, smoothie bars, and "detox drinks" further adds to the misconception that these drinks are good for health. A Simple Rule to Follow In Bhargava's view, a simple shift in approach — choosing the whole fruit over the juice — can have a lasting impact on health. His advice is clear: if you're serious about nutrition, skip the juice, chew the fruit, and don't fall for the marketing hype. Who Is Siddhant Bhargava? Siddhant Bhargava is a well-known name in the Indian health and wellness space. A medical doctor by training, he co-founded Food Darzee, a diet-focused food delivery startup. He is widely recognised for his straightforward health advice and has featured on shows like Shark Tank India. His client list includes some of Bollywood's biggest names, and his opinions on diet trends often make headlines.
