Effective Ways to Keep Lizards Away from Your Home: Simple and Humane Methods to Deter Lizards

Lizards are a common sight in many households, especially in warm and humid climates. While they are generally harmless and even help control pests like insects, many people find their presence unsettling indoors. The good news is that keeping lizards away from your home can be achieved effectively through a combination of natural remedies, cleanliness, and minor home improvements. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining a lizard-free space:

1. Maintain Cleanliness

One of the top reasons lizards enter homes is in search of food, especially insects and crumbs. Regularly sweeping floors, wiping countertops, and ensuring that food waste is disposed of immediately can make your home less attractive to both insects and lizards.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

By controlling insects—lizards' favorite meal—you automatically reduce lizard activity. Use screens on windows, avoid leaving fruits and vegetables out in the open, and make sure trash bins are tightly closed.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Many household items can act as natural lizard repellents. Eggshells, onion slices, and garlic can be placed at entry points and dark corners. Lizards dislike the strong smell and will stay away from these deterrents. You can also make a homemade spray with water and black pepper or tabasco sauce for additional protection.

4. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Lizards can slip through tiny cracks in doors, windows, or walls. Use sealants or weather stripping to close off potential entry points. Pay extra attention around plumbing, under sinks, and below doors.

5. Optimize Lighting

Bright outdoor lights attract insects at night, which, in turn, attract lizards. Consider using yellow LED bulbs, which are less likely to lure bugs—and therefore lizards—to your home.

6. Interior Design Adjustments

As a designer, I often notice that cluttered or unmanaged spaces provide more hiding spots for lizards. Minimizing unnecessary items, especially in corners and shelves, creates a less hospitable environment. For those planning renovations or layout changes, using a room planner can help you strategically organize your space to reduce dark, hidden crevices where lizards might take shelter.

Tips 1:

Consider incorporating storage solutions that have tight-sealing doors and drawers. Floating shelves, built-in cabinetry, and modular furniture can help reduce clutter while minimizing gaps and nooks that attract lizards. Keeping storage elevated reduces ground-level hiding spots, making your home less accessible to pests.

FAQ

Q: What smells do lizards hate the most?

A: Lizards strongly dislike the smell of onions, garlic, black pepper, and eggshells, making these excellent natural repellents.

Q: Can keeping my home more organized really keep lizards away?

A: Yes. A well-organized, clutter-free home reduces possible hiding spots, making it harder for lizards to find shelter indoors.

Q: Are chemical sprays safe and effective for deterring lizards?

A: While chemical sprays can deter lizards, natural alternatives are safer for children, pets, and the household environment.

Q: How do I prevent lizards from entering through windows and doors?

A: Install screens, seal gaps with weather strips, and ensure doors and windows close tightly to block common entry points.

Q: Will changing my lighting really affect the number of lizards I see?

A: Yes. Using insect-repelling lights like yellow LEDs can decrease insect activity around your home, which naturally deters lizards as well.