🐸Creatures That Find Their Way into Homes in the Jungles of Belize🐍

Living in the jungles of Belize is a dream for many—lush greenery, howler monkeys calling at dawn, and incredible biodiversity all around. But with that biodiversity comes something every jungle resident quickly learns: jungle creatures that enter Belize homes are simply part of the lifestyle. These uninvited “house guests” are usually harmless, though they can be surprising if you’re not used to them.

Whether you’re planning to visit as a tourist, move, or are already settled here, it helps to know what to expect from common animals that get inside houses in Belize.

Key Takeaways: Creatures That Enter Jungle Homes in Belize

• Living in the jungles means occasionally dealing with jungle creatures that enter Belize homes, most of which are harmless but surprising.

• The most common visitors include house geckos, tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, tree frogs, ants, termites, and bats.

• Simple habits—like closing doors, storing food properly, and keeping clutter minimal—greatly reduce common animals that get inside houses in Belize.

• Some visitors (like geckos and tailless whip scorpions) are tolerable, while others (like termites and bat colonies) require quick action.

• Understanding which species may appear indoors helps anyone adjusting to the Belize jungle lifestyle feel safer, more prepared, and more confident living in the jungle.

Quick Comparison Chart: Creatures That Enter Jungle Homes in Belize

Below is a longer form guide to the most frequent visitors

Every day in the jungle promises at least one surprise

House Geckos

House geckos are one of the most common jungle creatures found inside Belize homes. Completely harmless, they help control mosquitoes, moths, and cockroaches. You’ll often hear their distinctive chirping at night.

House geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) are evasive, likely originated in Southeast Asia, but are now found across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Central America and the Caribbean. They spread easily through trade and travel, adapting well to human homes. In Belize, they’re common in both jungle houses, hotels, and city buildings.

The downside to house geckos is that they tend to leave their droppings everywhere and are quite prolific. I tend to tolerate them because they are great at catching mosquitoes. Admittedly, they are also entertaining to watch as they defend their small territories from other house geckos.

House geckos – everywhere

Sometimes, Shiny skinks come under my doorways.

Red Rump Tarantulas

Tarantulas are iconic jungle creatures, and they occasionally wander into homes. Despite their intimidating size, tarantulas in Belize are not dangerous to humans. They’re shy, slow-moving, and more interested in hunting insects than bothering people. A calm relocation outside is usually the best response.

In my experience, tarantulas mostly enter houses built directly on the ground rather than raised homes. When my house was ground-level, an open door occasionally meant a tarantula wandering in. Now that my house is raised and I never leave doors open, I think I’ve had only one visitor inside. Though I find them regularly hiding amongst my stuff stored under the house.

Red Rump tarantulas – I love seeing these guys

Scorpions

Scorpions are probably the animal that creates the most fear of all the jungle creatures that end up inside homes in Belize. The more sealed your house is, the less chance of this guest showing up. I still seem to have at least one a month show up. Scorpions are so common in the jungle, I would be surprised if I didn’t see at least one outside on a daily basis.

They usually hide in dark corners, shoes, or under objects. Shaking out shoes and checking bedding before sleep are good habits when living in the jungle.

So much could be said about scorpions that I wrote its own blog post called – How to Scorpion-Proof Your House & Other Arachnids Found in Belize

Tailless Whip Scorpions

Despite the name, tailless whip scorpions are not true scorpions and have no venom. With their long, spindly legs and alien-like appearance, they look scarier than they are. These nocturnal hunters feed on insects and are completely harmless to humans.

While I’ve never found one of these guys in my house, I do find them regularly under my house. I so enjoy finding these guys as I think they are one of the scariest-looking, yet totally harmless creatures you can find in the jungle.

Tailless Whip scorpion – such a cool-looking creature

Snakes

It’s not unusual for snakes to slip into homes, especially during the rainy season when they seek dry ground or hunt prey. Most snake species here are harmless to people, but Belize is also home to venomous snakes like the fer-de-lance.

While I have found fer-de-lance snakes underneath my house, I find there are two main snakes that sometimes slip through the cracks of my door(s). The Green-headed tree snake (Leptophis mexicanus) and the Cat-eyed snake (Leptodeira septentrionalis ssp. polysticta).

The Green-headed tree snake & Cat-eyed snake.
Likely the two most common snakes to make it into your house.

If your house is raised, these are your two likely culprits. If your house is on the ground or if you have storage underneath your house, any species found in your area will eventually show up.

Bats

Bats sometimes enter homes; interestingly enough, few people seem to know how they got in the first place. While surprising, they are usually harmless and just want to find their way back out. Bats play an important role in Belize’s ecosystem by controlling insect populations and pollinating plants.

While bats are beneficial for controlling insects, they can cause problems if they take up long-term residence inside a house. Bat droppings (guano) build up quickly and can stain walls, damage wood, and create a strong odour. Although a single bat that accidentally flies in is harmless, a bat colony nesting inside Belize houses can lead to costly repairs if not addressed. This is not a visitor you want as a permanent guest.

Learn more about bats and their role in tropical ecosystems at Bat Conservation International: https://www.batcon.org

Cockroaches

Cockroaches thrive in the tropics, and Belize is no exception. While not everyone’s favourite house guest, they’re a reality of jungle living. Good food storage, sealed containers, and regular deep cleaning are essential.

I despise these visitors the most. No matter how clean and organized I am, they still appear. I can’t overemphasize the importance of good food storage and regular cleaning of drawers and bins, especially drawers and bins that are not regularly accessed. Cockroaches seem to know the drawers and bins you don’t visit often, and within a few months, they are filled with their droppings and chewed holes.

The American cockroach – these I hate

Pepper cockroach – I sometimes find these outside.
I kind of think these guys are cool.

Mice

Mice sometimes enter homes, especially if food storage isn’t secure. I’ve never had one indoors, but I find them underneath the house and around the chicken coops. Keep nesting materials sealed—cloth, rags, or anything soft. Store chicken food in sealed buckets.

Two common traps deserve a mention of caution:
• Cats kill an extraordinary amount of native birds and reptiles.
• Sticky traps catch many unintended wildlife species.

Both come with consequences.

Sticky traps kill a lot more animals than just mice

Mud Daubers

Mud dauber wasps build small mud nests in sheltered corners, electrical boxes, and even hidden spots inside furniture. Unlike other wasps, they’re not aggressive and rarely sting, feeding mostly on spiders. Their nests cause no real damage, though if left unnoticed, they can grow surprisingly large.

Mud dauber

Termites

Belize’s warm, humid climate is perfect for termites. Unfortunately, they’re not just visitors—they can cause real structural damage if left unchecked. Regular inspections and treatment are essential for anyone living in wooden houses in the jungle.

Inspect all wooden structures for the long trails they make as they go. Only use pressure-treated lumber when building your house. Termite problems in Belize jungle homes are serious and require immediate proactive attention.

These guys can do a lot of damage quickly!

Regularly inspect for these

Tree Frogs

Tree frogs sometimes hop into homes, especially during the rainy season. Their calls are part of the jungle soundtrack, and while they might startle you if you find one in your sink, they’re harmless little creatures.

There are generally three species that make it into homes. The small ones are usually Stauffer’s tree frogs, the most common one is the Mexican Masked tree frogs, and sometimes Pepper tree frogs get in because they are also common around homes.

The issue isn’t harm—they’re harmless—but dehydration. Once inside, they often climb into window tracks and desiccate quickly.

These are frogs that often attract Green-headed vine snakes and Cat-eyed snakes, which sometimes enter homes while hunting them.

I have never had a toad in the house, but I am amused by the fact that I often find them climbing my steps to get on my deck to eat insects. Gulf Coast toads routinely climb ten steps to hunt bugs on my deck at night.

A Stauffer’s tree frog & a Pepper tree frog (being eaten by a cat-eyed snake)

The Mexican Masked tree frog – also common inside your rainboots.

What happens to any tree frog in a house if it’s not relocated outside quickly

I have never had a toad in the house, but I am amused by the fact that I often find them climbing my steps to get on my deck to eat insects. Gulf Coast toads routinely climb ten steps to hunt bugs on my deck at night.

A Gulf Coast toad climbing my stairs

Ants

Ants are some of the most persistent household pests in Belize jungle homes. They form long trails into kitchens, pantries, and anywhere food is left out, sometimes appearing within minutes. Different species can show up, from tiny sugar ants to fire ants. While most are more nuisance than danger, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming.

Disciplined cleanliness, garbage removal, and proper food storage are the best ways to keep them under control indoors. Funny enough, I had a bit of an ant problem two weeks before writing this post for about a week. This was the first problem in about three years.

For more practical tips, see the University of California IPM ant prevention guide:
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html

Army Ants

Army ants in Belize are famous for their massive, moving swarms that sweep through the jungle floor in search of prey. Unlike other ants, they don’t build permanent nests but form temporary living bivouacs made of their own bodies. As they travel, they consume insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates, leaving almost nothing behind. When a column passes through a house, it can be unnerving, but they usually move on quickly once their hunt is over.

Since my house was raised, I have never had army ants inside my house, only underneath and on my deck. Because army ants are great at removing cockroaches and other creatures, that I would prefer not living underneath my house. I’m thrilled whenever they happen to pass by.

Wasps

In Belize, wasps often build their papery nests under roof eaves, in rafters, or tucked into other sheltered corners of a house. They’re a common sight in the jungle and play an important role in keeping insect populations in check.

Most of the species that utilize your eaves are not the aggressive species, but I have had some of the larger species make nests, which can have a very painful sting. The concern is if you are doing maintenance or cleaning and forget about them.

Wasp nests

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Jungle Creatures in Belize Homes

Q1: What are the most common jungle creatures that enter Belize homes?

A: The most frequent visitors include house geckos, red rump tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, tree frogs, ants, termites, bats, and cockroaches. Some are harmless, while others may require caution.

Q2: Are tarantulas in Belize dangerous?

A: No. Red rumped tarantulas are harmless in Belize homes; just gently help them find the front door.

Q3: Which snakes are most likely to get inside Belize homes?

A: Most snakes that enter homes are non-venomous, but Belize venomous snakes like the fer-de-lance exist. Common visitors include the Green-headed tree snake and the Cat-eyed snake.

Q4: How can I prevent scorpions and ants from entering my house in Belize?

A: Seal cracks in doors and windows, store food properly, keep bedding and shoes checked, and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment. These are essential steps to reduce common animals that get inside houses in Belize.

• How to Scorpion-Proof Your House & Other Arachnids Found in Belize

Q5: Are bats harmful if they enter homes?

A: A single bat is generally harmless and will find its way out. However, bat colonies in Belize homes can cause guano buildup, structural damage, and strong odours if left unchecked.

Q6: What should I do if I find a tarantula or tailless whip scorpion inside my home?

A: These creatures are harmless jungle creatures in Belize homes. Calmly relocate them outside using gloves or a container. Avoid harming them, as they help control insect populations.

Q7: Can termites damage my house in Belize?

A: Yes. Termites in Belize homes can cause serious structural damage if not addressed. Regular inspections and using pressure-treated lumber are essential.

Q8: Which tree frogs are likely to enter houses in Belize?

A: Common visitors include Stauffer’s tree frog, Mexican Masked tree frog, and Pepper tree frog. They are harmless but may get stuck in windows or around lighted areas at night.

Living With Belize’s Jungle House Guests

Sharing your home with these creatures is simply part of the Belize jungle lifestyle. While some are tolerated (like house geckos), others require more caution, like scorpions and snakes. Over time, most people living here grow used to the occasional unexpected visitor and even learn to appreciate the role they play in the ecosystem.

If you’re planning to move to Belize or spend time in the jungle, knowing which Belize jungle creatures commonly enter homes helps you prepare. Most are harmless, and with a little patience and respect for nature, you’ll adjust quickly to this unique way of life.

Further Reading: Life in the Belize Jungle

Curious to dive deeper into what jungle living is really like? Here are more guides and personal stories:

• A Comprehensive Guide to Living in the Jungles of Belize
• Three Years in the Jungle: My Life in Belize, A Life I Never Expected
• Why Starting Your Day Right Is Essential for Jungle Living in Belize
• The Key to Surviving the Jungle Lifestyle in Belize – Discipline
• Do’s and Don’ts of Living in the Jungle: A Practical Guide for Belize Jungle Living
• Discover Boa Constrictor Snakes in Belize: A Complete Guide
• The Most Dangerous Animals in the Belize Jungle: Fact or Fiction
• Managing the Rainy Season in Belize

Arie Hoogerbrugge is an adventure seeker who spent 2 years biking 26,000 km across Canada to his home in Belize from 2019 to 2021. Since 2021, he has been living at his home in the jungles of Belize, working hard and writing blogs.