If you live in Florida, you’ve probably seen lizards darting across sidewalks, climbing fences, or basking in the sun on your patio. They’re everywhere. But one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is: Do these little guys actually eat ants? And if they do, should we let them stay in our yards?
I’ve spent years helping Florida homeowners manage pests, everything from fire ants to termites. One thing I always tell people is that not all critters in your yard are bad. In fact, some, like lizards, can actually help control pests naturally. But that doesn’t mean they’re a magic solution, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what they eat, how they behave, and whether they should be kept as pets.
In this article, I’ll break it all down:
Which lizards live in Florida
Do they really eat ants?
Can they help with pest control?
Are they dangerous to humans or pets?
Should you keep one as a pet?
Do they replace the need for pest control?
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear answer about whether these backyard lizards are friends or foes—and whether you should welcome them or worry about them.
What Kinds of Lizards Live in Florida?
Florida is practically a lizard paradise. With our warm weather and humid climate, these reptiles thrive in backyards, forests, and even urban areas. In fact, Florida is home to over 50 species of lizards, ranging from native wildlife to invasive species that have made themselves right at home. If you’re wondering which lizards you’re seeing in your yard, or which ones might be snacking on ants, let’s go over the most common ones.
1. Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) – Florida’s Native Lizard
Photo Source -> UF/IFAS Blogs - University of Florida
The green anole is Florida’s only native anole species, and it’s been here long before the invasive brown anoles started taking over. These bright green lizards can change color, sometimes turning brown when stressed or cold, which often leads people to mistake them for their invasive relatives.
They’re territorial, fast-moving, and excellent hunters, feeding on small insects like flies, crickets, and, yes, ants. But they’re not as aggressive as their brown anole cousins.
2. Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) – The Invasive Ant Hunter
Photo Source -> UF/IFAS Blogs - University of Florida
Originally from Cuba and the Bahamas, brown anoles have completely outnumbered green anoles in most of Florida. These guys are highly adaptable and aggressive, often chasing green anoles out of their usual spots.
Brown anoles love eating ants, and they’ve even been seen feeding on invasive fire ants—though it’s unclear if this is helping control fire ant populations or if they’re just getting stung for their trouble.
3. Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) – Florida’s Big, Green Climber
Photo Source -> The Reptile Database
If you’ve ever seen a giant, bright green lizard clinging to a tree trunk and giving you the side-eye, you’ve probably spotted a knight anole. Originally from Cuba, these lizards are the largest anole species in Florida, reaching up to 18 inches long. They’re not just eating bugs—they’ll go after small birds, frogs, and even other lizards. While they might snack on an ant or two, their diet is much more varied.
4. Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) – A Woodland Ant Eater
Photo Source -> SREL herpetology - UGA
Unlike anoles, which love climbing, Eastern fence lizards prefer staying closer to the ground in wooded areas. They have rough, spiny scales and can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on logs or fence posts. Ants and beetles make up a big part of their diet, making them one of Florida’s most reliable ant-eaters in their natural habitat.
5. Florida Scrub Lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – A Rarity in Sandy Habitats
Photo Source -> UF/IFAS Blogs - University of Florida
This little lizard is one of Florida’s true natives, but you won’t find it just anywhere. It prefers sandy, scrubby areas, which makes it rarer than the other lizards on this list. Florida scrub lizards are small, fast, and specialized insect hunters, feasting on ants, flies, and other small bugs.
Which Lizard Is in Your Yard?
If you’re seeing a small brown lizard scurrying across your patio, it’s probably a brown anole. A green one clinging to your screen door? That’s a green anole. A large, intimidating lizard staring you down from a tree? You’ve got a knight anole. And if you’re near the woods, that rough-scaled lizard sunning itself might just be an Eastern fence lizard.
Regardless of the species, Florida’s lizards play an important role in the ecosystem—especially when it comes to controlling insect populations. Some of them eat ants regularly, while others prefer larger prey, but they all contribute to keeping our bug levels in check.
Do Florida Lizards Eat Ants?
If you’ve ever watched a Florida lizard up close, you’ve probably seen it dart after an insect in the blink of an eye. But when it comes to ants, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Many Florida lizards do eat ants, but it’s not always their first choice. For most species, ants are more of a convenience food—they’ll eat them if they’re around, but they won’t go hunting for them exclusively.
Brown Anoles and Green Anoles: The Biggest Ant Eaters
Among Florida’s lizards, brown anoles and green anoles are the most likely to include ants in their diet. Brown anoles, in particular, are aggressive opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll snap up just about any insect that crosses their path—including long trails of ants.
In some areas, ants can make up to 40% of an anole’s diet, but that depends on what else is available. If crickets, moths, or roaches are around, anoles will almost always go for those first because they offer more nutrition per bite.
What About Fire Ants?
Fire ants are a major concern in Florida, and while some lizards have been observed eating them, it’s not always a safe choice. Fire ants pack a venomous sting, and an inexperienced or unlucky lizard could get overwhelmed before it finishes its meal.
Some studies suggest that brown anoles may be adapting to tolerate fire ant venom, but that doesn’t mean they’re actively controlling fire ant populations. In most cases, lizards avoid fire ants unless they have no other choice.
Should You Welcome Lizards in Your Yard?
Absolutely—Florida’s lizards are more friend than foe when it comes to managing backyard pests. These little reptiles help keep insect populations in check, snapping up ants, mosquitoes, crickets, and even the occasional cockroach. And the best part? They don’t pose any danger to humans or pets.
That said, it’s important to set realistic expectations. If you’re dealing with a serious ant infestation, a few anoles hanging around your patio aren’t going to solve the problem. Lizards are opportunistic hunters, meaning they’ll grab an ant here and there, but they won’t wipe out entire colonies—especially when it comes to fire ants, which are aggressive and dangerous prey.
Hoffer Pest Solutions Has You Covered
While Florida’s lizards do their part in keeping backyard bugs in check, they aren’t a complete solution for pest control—especially when it comes to ants, termites, and other persistent invaders. If you’re noticing more pests than lizards can handle, it’s time to bring in the experts.
At Hoffer Pest Solutions, we provide safe, effective, and environmentally responsible pest treatments designed for Florida homeowners. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants, roaches, mosquitoes, termites, or any other pest, we offer solutions that keep your home protected without harming the beneficial creatures in your yard.
✅ Year-round pest protection for South Florida homes
✅ Targeted ant and termite control that lizards can’t handle alone
✅ Eco-friendly treatments that protect your family and the environment
✅ Fast, reliable service from a local, family-owned business
Florida’s lizards are great allies in your backyard, but for pest problems beyond their reach, trust Hoffer Pest Solutions to step in and help.