Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I’m posting in this forum in the hope someone can help solve my problem. I have recently noticed that a monitor lizard has made a cavity underneath the floor of my house its new home. I live in Thailand but am not expert of reptiles; so, I’m not able to tell what species it is. However, it’s long between 1 and 1.5 meters. I spotted it a couple of times while gardening and it escaped and entered the hole where it lives. Personally, I’m not particularly attracted by the monitors but I’m not scared; so, as far as I’m concerned it could live there. The problem is that I have three cats that are like three sons for me and I really don’t want them to be killed by my new tenant. The cats are normally outside in the daytime and come back for food and at night for sleep. But since I’ve seen the lizard I haven’t allowed them out anymore and they are now going crazy. So, as you may guess, the point is that I need to get rid of the lizard. But I don’t want to hurt it. Honestly, I have no idea of how to catch the lizard alive and remove it. It’s very afraid of me, quite agile and seems quite clever, too. Now a few questions: about three months ago in the same hole entered a cobra and I’ve never seen it ever since. Can a monitor kill or be killed by a cobra? I’ve always wondered if the cobra was still around and now I’m even more confused… Do you think it’s possible the monitor is a female and laid eggs in that hole and wants to protect its area? How dangerous can a monitor be for a cat? And the most important question: how can I get rid of my cumbersome new tenant without hurting it? Any serious suggestion would be truly appreciated!

Let me see, monitors are not deadly to you, and most likely your cats(unless they are real young and dumb) Cobras are indeed one of the most lethal of snakes in the world, to humans.

Monitors, can consume snakes, including cobras.

If I had your problem, I would feed and watch and the monitor, so it will stay around. Hopefully it will keep the cobras away.

I do have many rattlesnakes on my property.

I think overall, I would leave the monitor be. As it will help keep a balance.

What most do not understand is, that cobra and monitor came from somewhere, they are not just magically under your house. So the problems the same whether that monitor or cobra is at your particular house or not. There are will be more monitors around you, and more cobras around you.

WHich means your cats and you are going to have to become adjusted to living with these reptiles, whether they are under your house or not. THe more you alter the balance, by moving or killing those animals, the more of a void is created and will be filled by more reptiles.

Now for the bad part, both monitors and cobras are rodent feeders and will keep that area limited with rodents. Of course they will not get rid of all rodents, as there are millions of them. Again, I would rather have reptiles around then rodents, rodents without question carry diseases that can be spread to humans.

SO there you go. Now for the cats, built them a safe place outdoors, like a big bird cage(wire enclosed area) that problem occurs here as we have lots of coyotes and they without question eat cats. So many folks here do built their cats outdoor runs. Best wishes.

Thank you for your good replay!
You said: "cobra and monitor came from somewhere, they are not just magically under your house. So the problems the same whether that monitor or cobra is at your particular house or not. There are will be more monitors around you, and more cobras around you"...and I totally agree, I have already done the same consideration, if the reptiles are not under MY house they might be under the neighbor's house or somewhere else and since the cats wander around, the problem remains the same! As for building a large cage outdoor I have also considered that solution and I'll go ask an estimate to build one.
Thank you again.

Your very welcome, also if you have the oppertunity to take a picture of that monitor, you could post it here. We would love to see it.

Even the cobra. hahahahahahaha

My bet is, the monitor is a bengal monitor. Ok, not a bet, instead a guess. Thank you

My guees is, (or rather my BET is), this is a V. salvator subspeices, probably V. s. macromaculatus....

My guess, not guess!?

Well now we have takers, hahahahahahahahaha I hope they take some pics and this bet will be decided. Oh by the way, what did we bet? hahahahahahaha

Unless they live near the water, I am going with bengals. Or clouded, with is a bengal, sorta, hahahahahahahaha

Ok, what are we betting? Oh that is if there is a tomorrow.

We`re betting that I`m better at guessing than you....

No, a beer or something, I guess if that poster has his answer, he/she will not ever let us know. Oh well, no beer for us. Cheers