Lizards are a common problem in many households, particularly in warm and humid climates. Although they are harmless and even help reduce insects, their sudden movements on walls, ceilings, and kitchens can be unsettling. Most lizards enter homes through tiny gaps, cracks, or open windows in search of food, water, and warmth. The good news is, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of lizards. With a few natural remedies and preventive steps, you can easily keep them away. In this guide, we share 10 effective hacks to make your home lizard-proof naturally and safely.
10 natural remedies for a safe and lizard-free house
Keep indoor temperature cool
Lizards are cold-blooded creatures, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Warm and cosy corners of the home are particularly attractive to them. By keeping your indoor temperature cool with the use of fans or air conditioning, you make your space less inviting for lizards. Even maintaining good ventilation by keeping windows open during cooler hours can discourage them from lingering indoors.
Grow lizard-repellent plants
Certain plants are naturally disliked by lizards due to their strong aroma. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are particularly effective at keeping them away.
Growing these plants in pots and placing them near balconies, windows, or doorways creates a natural barrier. Apart from repelling lizards, these plants add greenery, fragrance, and beauty to your living space, making them a long-term solution for a pest-free home.
Set up eggshell barriers
One of the more surprising hacks is the use of eggshells. Lizards tend to avoid areas with empty eggshells because they mistake them for predator signs, assuming birds are nearby. Simply placing clean, empty eggshell halves in corners, near entry points, or on kitchen shelves can help keep lizards away. To keep the method effective, replace the shells every few days to prevent odour.
Install bright LED lights outside
Most lizards are attracted to insects that gather around dim yellow or fluorescent outdoor bulbs at night. By switching to bright white LED lights, you can reduce insect activity in balconies, verandas, and garden areas. Since fewer insects mean less food for lizards, this simple change indirectly prevents them from visiting your home. LED lights also have the added benefits of being energy-efficient and long-lasting.
Seal all entry points
The first step in keeping lizards away is blocking the routes they use to get inside. They often enter through gaps in windows, door frames, and tiny ventilation holes. Inspect your home carefully and look for cracks or crevices around walls and ceilings. Installing mesh screens on windows, using silicone sealants, and applying weather strips on doors can significantly reduce their chances of entering. This not only deters lizards but also helps keep insects and dust outside, making your home more hygienic overall.
Keep your home clean and clutter-free
A clean home is naturally less attractive to lizards because their primary food source, insects, thrives in dirty and cluttered spaces. Food crumbs on the floor, overflowing bins, and unwashed dishes can invite ants, cockroaches, and flies, which in turn attract lizards. Make it a habit to sweep and mop floors regularly, wipe down kitchen counters, and dispose of garbage daily. Decluttering areas like storerooms or unused corners also eliminates hiding spots for lizards, reducing their chances of settling indoors.
Use naphthalene balls in corners
The strong smell of naphthalene balls is something lizards dislike, making them an easy and effective deterrent. Place them strategically behind furniture, near windowsills, in bathroom corners, or inside cupboards where lizards are commonly spotted. However, naphthalene balls can be toxic if ingested, so ensure they are kept away from children and pets. By using them carefully, you can keep both lizards and insects at bay, since the pungent odour repels multiple pests at once.
Spray pepper or chilli solution
A natural homemade spray made with crushed black pepper or red chilli powder mixed in water works effectively against lizards. When sprayed on walls, corners, or entry points, it causes irritation to lizards and prevents them from climbing in those areas. This hack is safe, inexpensive, and chemical-free, though you should avoid spraying it on delicate surfaces that may get stained. Reapplying the spray every few days ensures longer protection.
Try garlic and onion
The strong, pungent aroma of garlic and onion is another natural repellent for lizards. Hanging a few crushed garlic cloves or onion slices near entryways creates a barrier that discourages them from entering. You can also place these in corners where lizards usually hide. The smell lingers for hours and works as a simple, eco-friendly way to reduce lizard presence in your home without using chemicals.
Use lizard repellent sprays
If natural remedies aren’t enough, commercially available lizard repellent sprays are another safe option. These sprays are specially formulated to repel lizards without harming them. You can apply them on walls, around window frames, and other spots where lizards usually roam. Most products leave behind a mild fragrance and work effectively for days. They are especially useful in homes where lizards are a frequent nuisance.
Lizards might play a role in balancing the ecosystem, but having them inside your home can feel unpleasant and unhygienic. By combining preventive measures like sealing entry points and maintaining cleanliness with natural deterrents such as garlic, pepper sprays, or repellent plants, you can create an environment that lizards will avoid. These hacks are not only effective but also safe for your family and pets, helping you maintain a comfortable and lizard-free living space.
Also Read: Effective home remedies to get rid of ‘tiddas’ or grasshoppers from your home and garden