Lizards are common household visitors, especially in warm and humid climates. While they help keep insect populations in check, not everyone is thrilled to share their living space with them. If you’re looking for ways to keep lizards out of your home, here are some effective methods, from natural repellents to DIY tricks.
- Identify Why Lizards Are Attracted to Your Home
Lizards often enter homes in search of food or a cool, sheltered spot. Here’s why they may choose your home:
- Insects: Lizards feed on insects like flies, ants, and mosquitoes. An insect-heavy environment will likely attract them.
- Moisture: Humidity and water sources in kitchens and bathrooms can draw lizards.
- Shelter: Warm, dark spaces behind appliances or cabinets provide safe hiding spots.
Reducing these attractants is the first step in keeping lizards away.
- Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes around doors, windows, and vents. Lizards can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so use caulk, weatherstripping, or mesh to seal these openings. Pay special attention to doors, as they are common entry points.
- Use Natural Repellents
Certain scents repel lizards effectively. Here are a few natural options you can try:
- Eggshells: Lizards dislike the smell of eggshells, which resemble a predator’s scent. Clean and dry eggshells, then place them near windows or entry points to keep lizards away.
- Garlic and Onion: The strong odor of garlic and onion can deter lizards. Place cloves of garlic or slices of onion in areas where you see lizards frequently.
- Pepper Spray: Mix black pepper powder with water and spray it around windowsills, doors, and other areas. The smell irritates lizards, encouraging them to stay away.
- Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Reducing lizard-friendly spaces will help limit their activity:
- Remove Food Sources: Keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills.
- Declutter: A tidy home reduces hiding spots, making your space less appealing to lizards.
- Take Out the Trash: Leftover food in the trash can attract insects, which, in turn, attract lizards. Regularly dispose of garbage, and clean out trash bins.
- Adjust Indoor Lighting
Insects are drawn to lights, and lizards are drawn to insects. If you turn off or dim unnecessary lights at night, you can reduce both insect and lizard activity. Try using LED lights instead of other types of bulbs, as they emit less heat and attract fewer insects.
- Use Naphthalene Balls
Mothballs, or naphthalene balls, emit a strong odor that can repel lizards. Place them in dark corners, under furniture, and near entry points. Be cautious, however, if you have children or pets, as naphthalene can be toxic.
- Set Up Sticky Traps or Glue Boards
Glue traps can be effective for catching lizards. Place them near areas where you’ve seen lizard activity, but remember to check them regularly. Glue traps are often used for pest control and can trap not only lizards but also insects. Handle them with care, as you’ll need to release any captured lizards safely.
- Essential Oils as Natural Repellents
Strong essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon can be effective in repelling lizards. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz areas where lizards tend to appear. The scent should discourage them from lingering.
- Keep Indoor Plants in Check
Plants can provide food and shelter for insects, which attract lizards. Ensure that indoor plants don’t harbor insect pests, and keep the area around the plants clean and dry to avoid creating a lizard-friendly environment.
- Create a Barrier with Coffee and Tobacco
Some people use a mix of coffee powder and tobacco to deter lizards. Mix equal parts of ground coffee and tobacco, roll them into small balls, and place them near lizard hotspots. The smell can repel them, and in some cases, it can be toxic to them.
- Use an Ultrasonic Pest Repellent
Ultrasonic repellents are devices that emit high-frequency sounds, which can be unpleasant for pests, including lizards. These devices are typically plug-in and can cover an entire room. Make sure to research the product to ensure its effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of lizards can be done with a few practical steps and natural repellents that keep your home pest-free without harming the environment or the creatures themselves. Try out these tips, and with a bit of consistency, you’ll likely find your home becoming less inviting to these reptilian visitors.