`Lizo-Phobia' or the fear of a lizard actually exists, states Neeru Katyal, a senior search scholar of psychology in the Panjab University. ``Phobia is an irrational fear and is not inborn. This kind of fear is not inborn but is conditioned and is generally an outcome of something unpleasant or abnormal that has occurred in childhood,'' she asserts.

For Shaweta, a BA II student of GCG, lizo-phobia was triggered off differently. ``Ever since I have watched `Jurassic Park', I have started looking at those descendants of dinosaurs on the wall with renewed respect and terror'', she exclaims with wide eyes and a pale face as if she's encountered a ghost.

It's surprising that as compared to cockroaches, frogs and rats the slithering lizard probably steals the show for being the most avid attention grabber at least in case of women. They shriek, yell or simply run for their life once they spot it. But come summer and your home is turned into a favourite lizard get-together joint. They seem to be everywhere - on the walls, behind the curtains and the worst, inside your cupboard, sending a lizophobic completely paranoid.

To treat lizophobia you must remove its root cause, lizards. Here is a classification of lizards along with suitable remedies which will help you deal with them (there is a warning for lizo-phobic patients: seek help as trying these methods yourself can prove fatal).

The domesticated one: These are the kinds who've stayed in or around your house for generations and won't budge an inch come what may, your efforts of scaring it by straining your vocal chords or shooing tactics will be utterly useless, as it won't even acknowledge your presence.

Remedy : Strike it hard with a long stick or broom. This seems to tickle it in one go.The wind one : This type is an absolutely crazy kind and the minute you sight it or it sights you it will be in a total frenzy. It will jump between your feet, run across the sofa or circle around your chairs creating conditions where you and your family will run from it rather than after it.

Remedy: Stay away from this kind. Nevertheless, this type is recommended for runners as it provides good practice at home.

The perfect dramatists: This kind has its own peculiar antics. The minute you approach it and even before you strike it, it will fall flat on the ground completely motionless. You broom it away full of remorse and guilt thinking you've killed a poor innocent creature. But after 15 minutes, this actor lizard will swing back into action as soon as it realizes it is completely safe.

Remedy: Self-oriented, this type is the easiest and most honoured kinds who gets escorted outside the house with due respect and regard. If the above mentioned remedies cease to be ineffective try this simple and most plausible one. Go and buy a lizard repellent at a modest price of Rs. 30. And the next time you have a rendezvous with lizzy dear don't be frightened, but smile back, for this might be your last meeting with your not so favourite summer pal.