How can I remove adhesive from a live lizard?

Question

I found 2 live lizards in an adhesive rat trap tray and have removed them safely. They're still alive but have lots of adhesive all over their bellies, legs & toes. These rat traps didn't contain poison, just thick, deep adhesive. So far we've soaked them in soapy water and tried to remove as much as possible (amazingly they're still alive and kicking!).

Any ideas of how to remove the rest of the adhesive without killing them?

Also, how do we care for these guys while we're tyring to clean them? They're in a box with a lamp on them for heat right now.

Answer 1

I am not a reptile person so double check with someone who is on whether peanut butter is safe for lizards.  However, rubbing a little peanut butter on adhesive will usually make it break down, and unless peanuts are deadly to lizards it should be a safer alternative.  Maybe check with a pet store?

Answer 2

Firstly please soak them in some warm Gatorade!!!! Soapy water its harmful to them the Gatorade will be like a liquid iv soak for minute or less {depending on size} to rejuvenate them! You could soaking in warm water can help call local humane society to help as well as call the number if there is one located on the container for the traps there usually is one for poison control call and ask what can dissolve it safely but ask ask ask a vet or someone knowledgeable in reptiles before administering. Can you identify the lizards  species? also what product were you using?

Answer 3

Try vegetable oil or mineral oil.  Otherwise, I'd suggest calling a vet.  I don't think there's really anything you can do other than that that would be safe for the lizard.  All I can say is thank goodness they shed their skins, because even if you can't get it off, they should be able to shed it off.

I listed a couple links so you can find a good herp vet near you.  Good luck and thank goodness for good people like you!

EDIT - my boyfriend suggested making sure you wear gloves, too, because you don't want to get adhesive on yourself and accidentally stick yourself somewhere else on the lizard.  And you can change gloves often.