How to Get Rid of Lizards in the House: Effective Tips and Home Remedies
How to Get Rid of Lizards in the House: Effective Tips and Home Remedies
Lizards are common household pests that often sneak into homes searching for food, warmth, or shelter. While they are harmless and help control insects, their presence can be unsettling. Fortunately, you can keep them away with some simple and natural remedies. This guide covers various ways to get rid of lizards in your house effectively without using harsh chemicals.
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
a. Reduce Food Sources: Lizards are attracted to food crumbs and insects. Regularly clean your kitchen, dining area, and other places where food is consumed to eliminate potential food sources.
b. Seal Food Containers: Store food items in airtight containers to avoid attracting insects, which, in turn, attract lizards.
c. Declutter: Remove unnecessary clutter such as piles of paper, boxes, or old magazines, as lizards can use these as hiding spots.
2. Seal Cracks and Entry Points
a. Block Entryways: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, windows, doors, and the foundation.
b. Use Caulking or Weather Stripping: Seal any openings using caulking, weather stripping, or mesh screens to prevent lizards from entering.
c. Install Door Sweeps: Attach door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to block lizards from slipping in through gaps.
3. Use Natural Repellents
a. Pepper Spray Solution: Lizards dislike the strong smell of pepper. Mix black pepper powder with water and spray it in areas where you often see lizards.
b. Garlic and Onion: The strong smell of garlic and onion can deter lizards. Place slices of garlic or onion near windows, doors, and other entry points.
c. Coffee Powder and Tobacco Balls: Make small balls by mixing coffee powder with tobacco and placing them in corners where lizards are frequently seen. The strong scent acts as a repellent.
4. Set Up Eggshells
a. Eggshells as a Repellent: Lizards dislike the smell of eggs and perceive the presence of eggshells as a sign of predators. Place eggshell halves in corners, near windows, or in areas where lizards are most active.
b. How to Use: Clean the eggshells thoroughly to remove any residue, and place them with the inside facing outward. Replace them once they dry out.
5. Use Naphthalene Balls (Mothballs)
a. Strong Scent Repellent: Naphthalene balls emit a strong odor that repels lizards.
b. Where to Place: Place them in cabinets, under sinks, and in other dark areas where lizards might hide. Avoid placing them in areas accessible to children or pets.
6. Try Cold Water Spray
a. Shock with Cold Water: Lizards are cold-blooded creatures that prefer warm environments. Spraying cold water directly on a lizard can shock it, causing it to flee.
b. How to Use: Fill a spray bottle with cold water and keep it handy for immediate use when you spot a lizard.
7. Use Sticky Traps
a. Sticky Glue Boards: Place sticky traps in areas where lizards are frequently seen. The lizard will get stuck when it walks over the glue.
b. Release the Lizard: If you catch a lizard, you can safely release it outdoors by pouring a small amount of vegetable oil on its legs to dissolve the glue.
8. Place Peacock Feathers
a. Peacock Feathers as Deterrents: Some believe that peacock feathers can scare away lizards, as they resemble a predator’s presence.
b. How to Use: Place a few peacock feathers around the house, particularly near entry points like windows and doors.
9. Keep Lights Off When Not Needed
a. Light Attracts Insects: Lizards are attracted to insects that are drawn to light. Reduce the number of insects by keeping lights off when not necessary, especially near windows and doors.
b. Use Yellow Bug Lights: Consider using yellow bug lights, which attract fewer insects compared to regular lights.
10. Use Essential Oils
a. Eucalyptus or Peppermint Oil: Lizards dislike the strong scents of eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
b. How to Use: Mix a few drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray it in areas where lizards are commonly seen.
c. Refresh Regularly: Reapply the spray regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
11. Keep the House Cool
a. Lower Temperatures: Lizards prefer warm environments. Keeping your house cool with air conditioning or fans can make it less inviting for them.
b. Close Windows During Hot Days: To maintain a cooler indoor environment, keep windows and doors closed during the hottest parts of the day.
12. Remove Indoor Plants
a. Hideouts for Lizards: Indoor plants can provide shelter for lizards.
b. Keep Plants Outside: Consider moving your plants outdoors or to a screened porch to reduce hiding spots inside your home.
13. Call Pest Control Professionals
a. Professional Help: If your lizard problem persists despite trying home remedies, consider contacting a pest control professional who can safely and effectively handle the issue.
b. Eco-Friendly Solutions: Request eco-friendly or non-toxic treatment options if you’re concerned about chemicals.
Lizards can be pesky visitors, but with these natural remedies and preventive measures, you can effectively keep them out of your home. The key is maintaining a clean environment, sealing entry points, and using simple deterrents like essential oils, eggshells, or pepper spray. By consistently applying these methods, you can enjoy a lizard-free home. If the problem continues, seeking professional pest control services may be necessary to address the infestation comprehensively.
