How To Get Rid of Lizards Around Your House

Lizards, while harmless and even beneficial in controlling insect populations, can be a nuisance when they invade our homes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective methods to get rid of lizards around your house, common mistakes to avoid, and preventive measures to keep them at bay.

What Attracts Lizards to Our Homes

Understanding what attracts lizards to our homes is the first step in effective lizard control. Lizards are attracted to areas that offer food, shelter, and water. They feed on insects like worms, ants, spiders, beetles, and flies, so a house with an insect problem is likely to attract lizards as well. They also seek out dark, cool places, such as behind cupboards, furniture, and outdoor spaces like gardens. Additionally, sources of water, like pet bowls, birdbaths, or leaking pipes, can draw lizards to your property. By addressing these factors, homeowners can create a less attractive environment for lizards.

Effective Methods to Get Rid of Lizards

There are several methods homeowners can use to get rid of lizards around their house.

Using Natural and Eco-Friendly Solutions

1. Pepper Spray: Mix black pepper powder with water and spray it in areas where lizards are commonly found. The pepper irritates the lizards, making them avoid those spots.
2. Onion and Garlic: The pungent odor of these items repels lizards. Place raw garlic cloves or onion slices in various corners of your home.
3. Eggshells: Lizards cannot stand the smell of eggshells. Place dry eggshells in corners frequented by lizards.
4. Tabasco Sauce Spray: Mix two teaspoons of Tabasco sauce with water in a spray bottle and use it as a solution to repel lizards.
5. Lower Room Temperature: Lizards prefer warmer environments, so keeping your home cool can make it less attractive to them.
6. Peacock Feathers: Placing peacock feathers in your home can make lizards scurry away, as they find peacocks intimidating.
7. Repellent Plants: Planting repellent plants like rosemary, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint around your home can help deter lizards.
8. Essential Oils: Apply a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or citronella oil around entry points to your home or in areas where you see lizards frequently.
9. Coffee Grounds and Tobacco Powder: Spread fresh or used coffee grounds in areas where you see lizards. You can also mix coffee grounds and tobacco powder to create a poisonous concoction for lizards.

Using Commercial Repellents

Commercial lizard repellents are also available in the market. These repellents often contain natural ingredients like peppermint or eucalyptus oil and can be sprayed around the house to deter lizards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when trying to get rid of lizards:

1. Using Harmful Chemicals: Some people use naphthalene balls or other toxic substances to repel lizards. While these may be effective, they can also be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment.
2. Not Addressing the Root Cause: Focusing on eliminating lizards without addressing the insect problem will not provide a long-term solution.
3. Relying on Myths: Some people believe that eggshells, baking soda, or other home remedies will repel lizards. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and they may not be effective.
4. Not Sealing Entry Points: Lizards can enter homes through small cracks and gaps. Failing to identify and seal these entry points will allow lizards to continue entering the home.

Preventive Measures

To keep lizards from returning to your home, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your home clutter-free to eliminate hiding spots and reduce insect populations.
2. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings that lizards can use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk, weather stripping, or wire mesh.
3. Control Insect Populations: By controlling insects and keeping insect populations at bay, you can reduce the food sources for lizards.
4. Use Natural Repellents: Lizards are deterred by strong smells such as garlic, onion, and pepper. Place cloves of garlic or onion slices in areas where you’ve seen lizards, or sprinkle coffee grounds around your home.
5. Limit Outdoor Lights at Night: Outdoor lights can attract insects, which can then attract lizards.

In conclusion, while professional pest control services can effectively handle lizard infestations, homeowners can often manage the problem on their own. By understanding what attracts lizards, implementing effective control methods, and taking preventive measures, you can keep your home lizard-free.