Lizards are intriguing creatures, but their presence in and around the home can be unwelcome for many. If you’re looking to keep lizards away, this guide offers a range of effective strategies to help you maintain a lizard-free environment. From natural repellents to practical lifestyle changes, you’ll find detailed solutions to address your lizard concerns.
Understanding Lizards and Their Behavior
Why Do Lizards Enter Homes?
Lizards enter homes primarily in search of food, water, and shelter. They are attracted to environments that offer warmth and moisture, which are conducive to their survival. Insects, which are a primary food source for lizards, also draw them into homes. Additionally, lizards seek safe spaces to hide from predators, making homes with cluttered areas appealing.
Types of Lizards Commonly Found Indoors
Recognizing the types of lizards in your home can help in choosing the most effective deterrents. Common indoor lizards include:
Geckos: Small lizards with sticky toes that allow them to climb walls and ceilings.
Anoles: Green or brown lizards known for their throat fan or “dewlap.”
Skinks: Shiny, smooth lizards with a distinctive blue tail.
Identifying the lizard species can tailor your approach to keeping them away.
Natural Repellents for Keeping Lizards Away
1. Eggshells: A Simple and Effective Repellent
Eggshells can act as a natural deterrent for lizards. Their strong smell and the texture of crushed eggshells make them unappealing to lizards. To use this method, place broken eggshells around entry points such as doors and windows. Replace the eggshells every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
2. Garlic and Onions: Powerful Smells That Repel Lizards
Garlic and onions emit odors that lizards find unpleasant. To use this method, place slices of garlic or onions in areas where lizards are seen, such as windowsills and doorways. Alternatively, you can create a spray by boiling garlic or onions in water and using it around your home.
3. Coffee Grounds: A Natural Deterrent
Used coffee grounds can repel lizards due to their strong odor. Sprinkle coffee grounds in areas where lizards are frequently seen. This method also helps control other pests like ants and insects, creating a less attractive environment for lizards.
4. Pepper Spray: An Effective DIY Solution
Pepper spray can deter lizards with its intense odor and irritation. Mix crushed black pepper or chili powder with water to create a repellent spray. Apply it around entry points and areas where lizards are often seen. Handle this mixture with care to avoid skin and eye irritation.
5. Naphthalene Balls: A Chemical Repellent
Naphthalene balls, commonly known as mothballs, are an effective chemical repellent for lizards. Place them in strategic locations like corners and entry points. Be cautious, as mothballs are toxic to children and pets, so keep them out of reach.
Preventing Lizards from Entering Your Home
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Lizards can enter through small cracks and gaps in your home. Inspect your home for any openings and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. Focus on areas around windows, doors, and vents to prevent lizards from slipping inside.
2. Maintain a Clean Environment
A clean home is less attractive to lizards. Regularly clean your home to remove food crumbs, spills, and standing water. This will help reduce the insect population, which in turn will make your home less inviting to lizards.
3. Control Insects
Since lizards feed on insects, controlling the insect population will help keep lizards away. Use insecticides, fly traps, or natural insect repellents. Ensure that garbage is sealed and disposed of properly to minimize insect attraction.
4. Install Mesh Screens
Mesh screens on windows and doors can effectively keep lizards out. Choose screens with small mesh sizes to prevent lizards from entering. This allows for ventilation while blocking lizards and other pests.
5. Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are useful for catching lizards and preventing them from moving around your home. Place traps in areas where lizards are frequently seen. Once caught, release the lizard outside, away from your home.
See Also: What Smell Do Lizards Hate?
Keeping Lizards Away from Your Garden
1. Reduce Garden Lighting
Bright lights attract insects, which in turn attract lizards. Reduce the amount of outdoor lighting or use yellow insect-repellent bulbs to make your garden less appealing to lizards. Turn off lights when they are not needed.
2. Keep Your Garden Tidy
Overgrown bushes and piles of leaves provide hiding spots for lizards. Regularly trim bushes, mow the lawn, and remove debris to eliminate potential lizard habitats. A tidy garden is less inviting to these creatures.
3. Use Predator Decoys
Lizards have natural predators like birds and snakes. Use decoys such as plastic owls or rubber snakes to scare lizards away. Move the decoys around regularly to prevent lizards from becoming accustomed to them.
4. Grow Lizard-Repellent Plants
Certain plants repel lizards due to their strong scents. Planting peppermint, eucalyptus, or pencil trees around your garden can help keep lizards away. These plants also add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.
5. Install Fencing
A physical barrier like fencing can prevent lizards from entering your garden. Choose fencing with small gaps that lizards cannot pass through. Ensure the fence extends below ground level to prevent lizards from burrowing underneath.
Dealing with Lizards Indoors
1. Catch and Release
If you find a lizard inside, catching and releasing it outside is the most humane approach. Use a lizard trap or gently catch it with a cloth or container. Release the lizard far from your home to prevent it from returning.
2. Use Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to lizards but inaudible to humans. Place these devices in areas where lizards are commonly seen. They are safe for children and pets.
3. Set Up a Lizard Barrier
A lizard barrier combines various deterrents to prevent lizards from accessing certain areas. Use natural repellents, sticky traps, and mesh screens to create an effective barrier. This method helps keep lizards from entering specific rooms or spaces.
4. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil have strong scents that repel lizards. Mix these oils with water to create a spray and apply it around your home. Essential oils are a natural and pleasant way to deter lizards.
5. Maintain a Lizard-Free Environment
Once lizards are removed, maintaining a lizard-free environment is crucial. Continue using repellents, keep your home clean, and seal any new cracks or gaps that may appear. Regular maintenance will help prevent future infestations.
Lifestyle Changes to Keep Lizards Away
1. Avoid Leaving Food Out
Leaving food uncovered can attract insects, which in turn attract lizards. Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills immediately. This practice helps reduce the attraction for both insects and lizards.
2. Declutter Your Home
Cluttered spaces provide hiding spots for lizards. Keep your home organized and free of clutter, particularly in areas like basements and attics. Regular decluttering reduces potential lizard habitats.
3. Manage Humidity Levels
Lizards prefer moist environments, so managing humidity levels can help deter them. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms, and ensure proper ventilation throughout your home to keep humidity levels low.
4. Use Natural Lighting
Lizards are less likely to enter well-lit spaces. During the day, open curtains and blinds to let natural light in. This makes your home less attractive to lizards and helps in keeping them away.
5. Train Pets to Deter Lizards
Pets, especially cats, can help deter lizards due to their natural hunting instincts. However, ensure that your pets do not harm the lizards, as lizards play a role in controlling insect populations.
When to Seek Professional Help
1. Persistent Lizard Infestations
If lizards persist despite your efforts, professional help may be necessary. Pest control experts can assess the situation and provide targeted solutions to keep lizards out of your home.
2. Identifying Lizard Species
If you’re unsure about the lizard species and their potential risks, consult a professional. Accurate identification helps determine the best approach for removal and prevention.
3. Dealing with Larger Lizards
Larger lizards may require professional assistance for safe removal. If you encounter a large lizard, seek help from pest control professionals to handle the situation effectively.
4. Preventing Future Infestations
Professional pest control services can also help prevent future lizard problems by identifying entry points and providing long-term solutions.
Conclusion
Keeping lizards away involves a combination of preventive measures, natural repellents, and lifestyle changes. By understanding lizard behavior and implementing these strategies, you can create an environment that is less appealing to lizards. Whether you use DIY methods or seek professional help, the key is to maintain a clean, well-sealed, and less attractive environment.
With these approaches, you can enjoy a lizard-free home and garden, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic living space.