Lizards are common household pests that, while mostly harmless, can be an unwelcome sight in your apartment. They tend to lurk in corners, on walls, or near light sources, feeding on insects. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of lizards without using chemicals or hiring professional pest control, there are several natural remedies you can try. In this guide, we will explore how to make your home lizard-free using simple and effective methods.
Why Do Lizards Enter Your Home?
Before tackling the problem, it’s essential to understand why lizards enter homes in the first place:
- Food Source: Lizards feed on insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. If your home has plenty of these, lizards will likely stick around.
- Shelter: They seek warm, dark, and humid places to hide and lay eggs.
- Water Availability: Like any other creature, lizards need water to survive.
- Openings and Entry Points: Cracks, open windows, and unsealed doors make it easy for lizards to get in.
Now, let’s explore natural ways to deter and remove them from your apartment.
1. Use Peacock Feathers
Peacock feathers are known to be an effective lizard repellent. The belief is that lizards associate these feathers with their natural predators and tend to stay away. Place a few feathers in corners, near windows, and doorways to deter them.
2. Eggshells as a Lizard Deterrent
Eggshells emit a strong smell that repels lizards. The odor signals danger to them, so they prefer to avoid areas where eggshells are present. To use this remedy:
- Break eggshells into halves or large pieces.
- Place them in areas where you’ve noticed lizards.
- Replace them every few days to maintain effectiveness.
3. Use Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onions have strong smells that act as natural deterrents for lizards. Their pungent odor is unpleasant to lizards, keeping them at bay. Here’s how to use them:
- Hang garlic cloves in areas where lizards frequent.
- Place onion slices in corners or near entry points.
- You can also make a spray by blending garlic with water and spraying it around your apartment.
4. Pepper Spray Solution
Lizards dislike the strong smell and burning sensation caused by pepper. A homemade pepper spray can be an excellent way to drive them away:
- Mix black pepper or red chili powder with water.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it in corners, near windows, and other lizard-prone areas.
- Repeat this daily for the best results.
5. Coffee and Tobacco Balls
A mixture of coffee powder and tobacco can act as a natural lizard repellent. Lizards dislike the smell and tend to avoid areas where this mixture is present. Here’s how to use it:
- Mix equal parts of coffee powder and tobacco.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Place these balls in areas where lizards appear frequently.
- Be cautious if you have pets, as tobacco can be toxic.
6. Cold Temperatures to Keep Lizards Away
Lizards are cold-blooded creatures that thrive in warm environments. If your apartment is cold, they are less likely to stay. Consider:
- Keeping your air conditioning on for a few hours daily.
- Using ceiling fans to create a cooler atmosphere.
- Avoiding excessive humidity by using a dehumidifier.
7. Lemongrass and Citrus Peels
Lizards dislike the scent of citrus. You can use lemon or lime peels in areas where lizards appear frequently. Alternatively, lemongrass essential oil or fresh lemongrass stalks can be used to deter them:
- Place citrus peels in cupboards, near windows, and in dark corners.
- Use a spray made from water and lemongrass essential oil.
- Replace dried-out peels with fresh ones regularly.
8. Clove or Cinnamon Oil Spray
Both clove oil and cinnamon oil have strong aromas that lizards dislike. To make a repellent spray:
- Mix a few drops of clove or cinnamon oil with water.
- Pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray it in lizard-prone areas.
9. Sticky Traps
Although not a natural repellent, sticky traps can help capture lizards safely and release them outside:
- Use double-sided tape or commercial sticky traps.
- Place them along walls and near entry points.
- Once trapped, carefully remove the lizard and release it away from your home.
10. Keep Your Home Clean
One of the most effective long-term solutions to keep lizards away is maintaining cleanliness. A clean home means fewer insects, which in turn means fewer lizards. Here are some tips:
- Regularly wipe down countertops and dining tables.
- Sweep and mop the floors daily.
- Remove food crumbs and trash promptly.
- Use insect repellents to keep mosquitoes and flies away.
11. Seal Entry Points
Prevent lizards from entering your apartment by sealing their entry points:
- Close gaps under doors and windows.
- Repair cracks in walls and ceilings.
- Install mesh screens on windows.
- Use door sweeps to prevent them from sneaking in.
12. Introduce Natural Predators
If you’re open to it, having a pet cat can significantly reduce lizard presence. Cats naturally chase and hunt lizards, keeping their population in check.
Remember!
Getting rid of lizards doesn’t have to involve harmful chemicals or expensive pest control services. With these simple and natural home remedies, you can effectively keep lizards out of your apartment. The key is consistency—apply these methods regularly, maintain cleanliness, and ensure your home is inhospitable to lizards. Over time, you’ll notice a significant decrease in their presence, making your living space more comfortable and pest-free.
Discover more from Apartment Decor Co.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.