Maintaining a pest-free home is essential for hygiene and comfort. The sight of lizards in your cabinets or drawers can be quite unsettling. To address this issue, we’ve compiled a list of effective methods to help you permanently eliminate lizards from your home.
What Attracts Lizards to Your Home?
Before diving into how to get rid of lizards, it’s important to understand why they enter your home:
- Food Sources: Lizards are attracted to food scraps and leftovers. Store food properly to avoid attracting them.
- Entry Points: Lizards can enter through cracks in ceilings, open windows, ventilation systems, and exhaust fans.
- Warmth: The warmth and high temperatures in your home can entice lizards.
- Clutter and Filth: A messy and dirty home can attract lizards. Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Water: Lizards are attracted to warm water. You can deter them by using ice water in problem areas.
How to Check for Lizards in Your Home
Lizards often hide in dark, cool spaces like wall corners and under furniture. To effectively eliminate them, locate their hiding spots by inspecting areas where lizards are frequently spotted. Be cautious, as sudden movements may cause them to retreat.
Top 10 Ways to Get Rid of Lizards
1. Make Your Own Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is an effective way to deter lizards without harming them. Mix black pepper powder with water and spray it in areas where lizards are present. The strong smell irritates lizards, making them leave.
2. Place Garlic or Onion at Frequently Visited Spots
The strong odor of garlic and onion can deter lizards. Place raw garlic cloves or onion slices in areas where lizards are often seen. Alternatively, put them in a plastic container with water to use as a convenient repellent.
3. Vent the Cabinets Regularly
Lizards prefer humid environments, such as those found in cabinets. Ensure cabinets, especially those under sinks, are dry and clean. Fix any leaking pipes to prevent lizards from being attracted to these areas.
4. Use Naphthalene Balls
Naphthalene balls are effective in repelling lizards due to their strong smell. Place them in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, and under-sink storage. Keep them away from food and supplies and ensure they are out of reach of children and pets.
5. Use Empty Eggshells
Placing eggshells in areas where lizards are often seen can be effective. The smell of the eggshells repels lizards. Make sure to clean the shells before use and avoid washing them to maintain their odor.
6. Dispose of Open or Unused Food
Preventing lizards starts with proper food storage. Clean up spills and crumbs immediately, regularly clean cabinets, and wash waste bins often to prevent lizards from being attracted to food residues.
7. Spray with Tabasco Sauce
Lizards dislike spicy and hot items. Mix water with Tabasco sauce in a spray bottle and use it in areas where lizards are present. The strong smell and taste will deter them.
8. Reduce the Temperature in Your Room
Lizards prefer warmer environments. By keeping your home cool, ideally below 22 degrees Celsius, you can discourage them from staying. Use air conditioning to maintain a cooler temperature.
9. Use Peacock Feathers
Peacock feathers can scare away lizards as they are natural predators. Place peacock feathers around your home to deter lizards. The sight and smell of the feathers will keep them at bay.
10. Regular Pest Control and Lighting Modifications
Regular pest control eliminates the insects that lizards feed on, reducing their food source and deterring them from entering your home. Additionally, using yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs for outdoor lighting can reduce the number of insects attracted to your home, thereby reducing lizard activity.
How to Get Rid of Lizards Using Commercial Repellents
Lizards can be an unwelcome presence in any home, but there are effective ways to deter them using commercial repellents. These methods are humane and help keep lizards out without harming them. Here’s a guide on how to use commercial repellents to get rid of lizards in your home.
Types of Commercial Repellents
1. Electronic Pest Repelling Devices
Electronic pest repelling devices emit ultrasonic sound waves that are irritating to lizards and other pests but inaudible to humans and pets. These devices can be plugged into electrical outlets around your home and are effective in keeping lizards at bay.
How to Use:
- Plug the device into an outlet in areas where lizards are frequently seen.
- Ensure the device is unobstructed for the sound waves to cover the desired area.
- Use multiple devices for larger spaces or heavily infested areas.
2. Pest Repellent Sprays
Commercial lizard repellent sprays are formulated with natural ingredients that lizards find unpleasant. These sprays do not kill the lizards but deter them from entering and staying in treated areas.
How to Use:
- Identify areas where lizards are commonly seen, such as near windows, doors, and dark corners.
- Spray the repellent generously in these areas, ensuring coverage of entry points and hiding spots.
- Reapply the spray periodically, especially after cleaning or if the smell dissipates.
3. Insecticides and Pesticides
While primarily used for insects, certain insecticides and pesticides can indirectly help reduce lizard populations by eliminating their food sources. By controlling the insect population in your home, you make it less attractive to lizards.
How to Use:
- Apply insecticides in areas where insects are likely to breed, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.
- Use baits and traps to target specific insect infestations.
Best Practices for Using Commercial Repellents
1. Safety First
Always read and follow the instructions on commercial repellent products. Ensure that the products are safe for use around children and pets if they are present in your home.
2. Regular Application
Consistency is key when using commercial repellents. Regularly apply sprays and maintain electronic devices to ensure continuous effectiveness. Reapply products as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Combine Methods
For the best results, combine different repellent methods. Use electronic devices in conjunction with sprays and insecticides to create a multi-layered defense against lizards.
4. Maintain Cleanliness
A clean home is less attractive to lizards. Regularly clean areas where food is stored and consumed, fix leaky pipes, and remove clutter that could provide hiding spots for lizards.
How to Get Rid of Lizards from Your Kitchen and Cupboards
Lizards in the kitchen can be particularly unsettling due to hygiene concerns. Here are effective remedies to eliminate these uninvited guests from your kitchen and cupboards.
Remedies to Get Rid of Lizards from Your Kitchen
1. Install Mesh or Screens
Safeguard your kitchen by fitting mesh or screens on windows and doors to block lizard entry. This physical barrier is one of the most effective ways to keep lizards out.
2. Maintain Appliance Cleanliness
Regularly clean your kitchen appliances, even those not in use, as lizards can hide within or behind them. Pay special attention to areas behind the fridge, microwave, and oven.
3. Ventilate Adequately
Lizards favor humid spaces, so ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Use exhaust fans and keep windows open to reduce humidity levels and deter these creatures.
4. Cover Food
Protect your food, especially during the night when lizards are more active. Store food in airtight containers and clean up any spills immediately to prevent attracting lizards.
5. Use Citrus
Lizards are averse to citrus scents. Place citrus peels in your kitchen or spray a mixture of citrus juice and water in areas where lizards are frequently seen. This natural repellent can help keep lizards at bay.
How to Get Rid of Lizards from Cupboards
1. Eliminate Food Residues
To deter lizards, ensure your cupboards remain free of crumbs, spills, and food leftovers. Clean both the interior and exterior of your cupboards with a solution of soap and water.
2. Vinegar Solution
Use a vinegar-based cleaning solution to keep your kitchen cabinets lizard-free. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto your cupboards and wipe them down with a clean cloth. The acidity of vinegar helps eliminate dirt, food stains, and grime, which attract lizards.
3. Use Naphthalene Balls
Harness the potent odor of naphthalene balls, a reputed lizard deterrent. Store them within cupboards, but use them sparingly and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
How to Get Rid of Lizards with Dettol
Dettol, a widely used household disinfectant known for its bacterial and viral-fighting properties, can also act as a lizard repellent. Here’s how to use Dettol effectively:
- Spray Method: Mix a small quantity of Dettol with water in a spray bottle. Apply it to areas where lizards are frequently sighted, such as cupboards, TV cabinets, and windows.
- Cotton Ball Method: Dampen a cotton ball with Dettol and place it near entry points like doors and windows. The strong smell of Dettol will deter lizards from entering these areas.
How to Prevent Lizards from Entering Your Home
Preventing lizards from entering your home is essential. Here are some pointers:
1. Seal Minor Openings and Gaps
Inspect your home for any minor openings or gaps and seal them to prevent lizards from entering. Pay attention to cracks in walls, around windows, and doors.
2. Install Mosquito Netting
Installing mosquito netting on windows can prevent lizards from entering while allowing ventilation. This simple addition can be very effective in keeping lizards out.
3. Fix Water Leaks
Ensure your pipes are in good working order to avoid water leaks, which can attract lizards. Regularly check and repair any leaks in your home.
4. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
Close all windows and doors when not in use. Consider using metal screens to cover open windows to keep lizards out.
5. Maintain Distance Between Furniture
Keep furniture at least five to six inches apart from walls. This minimizes hiding places for lizards and makes it easier to spot and remove them.
Dealing with unwanted lizards in your home can be a nuisance, but it’s essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort. By understanding what attracts lizards and implementing effective methods to repel them, you can successfully keep your home lizard-free. From simple home remedies like pepper spray and garlic placement to using commercial repellents and maintaining cleanliness, there are various strategies you can employ. Additionally, taking preventive measures such as sealing openings and keeping your home tidy can help deter lizards from entering in the first place. With these tips and tricks, you can effectively manage and prevent lizard infestations in your home, ensuring a comfortable and pest-free environment for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are home lizards venomous and lethal?
No, home lizards are generally harmless. They might bite if they feel threatened, but they usually avoid human contact.
Can lizards in the house cause allergies?
Yes, lizards can cause allergic reactions. They transport dirt and debris that might trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
What smell will keep lizards away?
Lizards are repelled by strong odors. Natural repellents like hot sauce, pepper, and cayenne have scents that lizards dislike. Mix a few tablespoons of your chosen pepper with a pint of warm water and spray it around your home for effective results.
How do I permanently get rid of lizards?
Using garlic and onions can be an effective way to repel lizards. The strong smell disrupts their senses. Place slices of onion or raw garlic cloves in areas where lizards are commonly seen to keep them at bay.
Can lizards inhabit air-conditioned rooms?
Lizards tend to avoid cold temperatures. Setting your air conditioner to 22°C or below can discourage lizards from staying in your room.
Are there any sprays designed to repel lizards?
Yes, there are various commercial sprays available specifically designed to repel lizards. These sprays use ingredients that lizards find unpleasant, effectively keeping them away from your home.
What are lizards scared of?
Lizards are repelled by the scent of vinegar and lemon. Chilli powder can also cause irritation to their skin, eyes, and nose. You can create a homemade spray using vinegar, lemon, and chilli powder to deter lizards from surfaces where it’s applied.
Can Dettol keep lizards away?
Yes, Dettol, a common household disinfectant known for its ability to combat bacteria and viruses, can also repel lizards. Mix a small amount of Dettol with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where lizards are commonly seen, such as cupboards, TV cabinets, and windows.
By understanding the habits and preferences of lizards, and using a combination of natural and commercial repellents, you can effectively manage and prevent lizard infestations in your home. This ensures a comfortable and pest-free environment for you and your family.
