How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (2024)

Lizards – just the name of these reptiles is enough to pass a shiver down one’s spine. From scaling the walls and ceilings to the echoes of clicking sounds at ungodly hours, lizards sure are a menace to have around. Not to mention that they can also be carriers of diseases that spread through contact. Plus, some lizards are poisonous and are unafraid to bite when threatened! So, if you are looking for tips onhow to get rid of lizards, then you’ve come to the right place.

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (1)

We will be discussing everything you need to know abouthow to get rid of lizards without killing themand how to keep them away for good. Let’s get started.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Lizards

Here are some tips onhow to get rid of lizardswith a fewhome remedies.

Black Pepper Spray

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (2)

Grind black peppercorns until they are a fine powder. Mix a tablespoon of this black pepper powder with about a cup of water and transfer the solution into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle vigorously until you get a well-mixed colloid. Spray the mixture on your walls and other areas where you may have seen the lizard. The pungent odour of black pepper is highly potent in keeping lizards at bay. Not only that, if the lizard were to pass such an area, the solution is bound to irritate their skin and cause allergies.

Overwhelming Garlic and Onion

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (3)

Speaking of pungent odours, no natural smell can be more pungent than that of garlic and onion. You can juice onions and garlic to make alizard-repellentspray and spray it around the house. Alternatively, you can purchase garlic or onion oil that you can mix with water and spray the solution on the walls. For an easier solution, you can crush the onion bulb or garlic cloves and smear their juices on your walls to have a similar effect. The pungency of onion and garlic is powerful enough to keep lizards away.

Use Naphthalene Balls

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (4)

By this point, it may be clear that powerful odours are one of the easiest tricksto get rid of lizardsusinghome remedies. If the idea of dousing your beloved home in the offending smell of black pepper, onion, or garlic is mortifying for you, then why not consider something more pleasant and septic?

You can leave a few naphthalene balls in the closet, shelves, and cabinets to ensure that lizards do not make a home there. If you are not a fan of naphthalene balls, then you can substitute them with phenyl tablets that come in various fragrances and possess similarlizard-repellentqualities.

Walking on Eggshells

No article that discusseshow to get rid of lizards in the houseis complete without talking about eggshells. It is, perhaps, one of the oldest home remedies for getting rid of lizards! While nobody really understands why this works, one can only try guessing. Some say that it is the sulphuric smell of egg shells that leaves lizards scurrying away.

Others say that it could be because it creates a false sense of a predator or other creature occupying the space, which is why they abandon their spot. Whatever may be the reason, keeping eggshells around your doors and windows seems to work while keeping lizards away. However, do keep in mind to not crush the eggshells and replace them every 3 to 4 weeks.

Tabasco Sauce Spray

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (6)

Combine two teaspoons of Tabasco sauce in some water, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the solution, and transfer it to a spray bottle. Spritz some of this mixture on your walls and wait for the magic to happen. This spray may not be alizard killerbut it is the next closest thing to getting the job done. The capsaicin in chilli is a powerful irritant that can produce a burning sensation that will help you get rid of lizards permanently. Given the high-impact nature of this home remedy to get rid of lizards, we wouldn’t recommend it to the faint-hearted.

Flamboyant Peaco*ck Feathers

Peaco*ck feathers are one of the most harmless methods ofhow to get rid of lizards without killing them. Since peaco*cks are natural predators of lizards, placing peaco*ck feathers around your home makes them wary of entering enemy territory. Not only will they keep the lizards away, but the peaco*ck feathers will also add a splash of royalty and vibrance to your home decor and light it up!

Coffee-Tobacco Balls

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (8)

This is alizard-killerhome remedy, so use it only if you are comfortable. Mix equal parts of coffee grounds and tobacco. Then, add a few drops of water to the mixture, wet your hands and form tiny balls from it. Stick a toothpick in these balls and place them around your home. One whiff of this mixture is enough to keep lizards away. And the daring ones that do happen to eat this mixture would soon die due to the caffeine and nicotine present in the balls.

Essential Oils

As seen already, certain kinds of smell act aslizard repellents. So, you can use essential oils to get rid of lizards in a safe and harmless manner. Some common fragrances that lizards absolutely despise include peppermint, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and citronella. Mix 15 drops of any essential oil in about 250mL of water and you can use it as a spray. Alternatively, combine it with carrier oil and put the solution in an essential oil diffuser. Whether they get rid of lizards or not, they sure can leave your home smelling divine.

Plants that Repel Lizards

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (10)

If essential oil diffusers and humidifiers fail to fit in your decor andbedroom interior design, then you can consider getting live indoor plants instead! Certain plants such as peppermint, pencil tree, common rue, and lemongrass, to name a few, are lizard deterrents. If you are tormented by lizards in your garden or outdoor area, you can even plant Stinking Helleborus, Eucalyptus, etc., in your garden area. Such plants will ensure that the lizards stay away for good.

Rubber Lizards

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (11)

In an interesting turn of events onhow to get rid of lizards, you can use lizards to get rid of lizards – after all, fire fights fire, right? Fortunately, you don’t have to train or pet a lizard for this job. Simply purchase realistic rubber lizards that come with suction caps and dot your walls with them. Lizards being highly territorial will not enter your home if they see that another lizard has already staked its claim.

More Tips and Tricks on How to Keep Lizards Away

Now that you knowhow to get rid of lizards at home, it is time that you also learn about keeping them away permanently. Here’show to get rid of lizards permanently:

Locate and Seal Entry Points

If you don’t want lizards entering your home, then make it difficult for them to do so! Conduct a visual inspection of your home to locate cracks and holes through which lizards can make an entry into your home. You might also want to check your window and door frames and the mesh or screens to look for any cracks, tears, or other entryways through which they may be sneaking in. Seal such areas with caulk or white cement and you won’t have to worry about lizards at all!

Ventilate the Cabinets

Like every other pest, lizardslovemoist, damp, and warm areas. As such, you would find them in places like the cabinets under the sink or washbasin. Also, take a look inside your kitchen drawers and cabinets inside the bathroom. If you find moisture or dampness in this area, get it addressed as soon as possible. Clean and air out these confined spaces from time to time and place naphthalene balls when you are done to keep the area fresh.

Dispose of Leftover Food

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (14)

Leftover food and scraps attract not only lizards but other pests like co*ckroaches, rats, etc. As such, disposing of food is the golden rule forhow to get rid of lizardsand other nefarious creatures. While you may be sweeping the floors and wiping down the dining tables, also check for crumbs near cabinets or countertops to keep your home spotless. Cover your dustbin and tie up the bin bags so that nothing can get inside them during their search for food.

Lower Room Temperature

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (15)

Lizards are cold-blooded creatures that heavily rely on their surroundings to maintain their body temperature. And if you are looking forhow to remove lizardsfromyourhome, making your home inhospitable for them is the quickest way to do that. As we said, warm and damp places are breeding grounds for lizards. If you have an air conditioning system, set it to 22°Celsius and you will find the lizards evacuating your home for a warmer place.

Turn Off Lights When Not in Use

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (16)

Lights attract bugs and bugs attract predators like lizards and spiders. We understand that you cannot impose a blackout in your home just to get rid of lizards, but switching off lights when not in use is just the bare minimum to keep them away. Doing this is particularly vital for your external lights as you might have already noticed how they attract a vortex of bugs and insects, which, in turn, attract lizards that can find their way inside your home. Plus, this nifty trick ofhow to get rid of lizardswill actually save you a pretty penny that goes into your electricity bills!

Stun Them with Cold Water

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (17)

If you ever have the misfortune of encountering a live lizard, then splashing them with cold water is the best wayto get rid of lizards without killing them. Cold water temporarily paralyzes lizards and once they go immobile, you can then – if you are brave enough – transfer the lizard to a container and set them free out in the open.

Closing Thoughts

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (18)

Congrats! You are now an expert onhow to get rid of lizardsinand around yourhome! Use a combination of the tips shared above to send the lizards on a permanent exile. Most of the solutions are humane and will not adversely affect the lizards while also keeping them at a respectable arm’s length from your home.

Stay tuned to theHomeLane Blogto make your home safer and more livable in various ways. You can also read about various ideas related to home decor such asbathroom designs,living room interior designs, etc.

FAQs

How do you get rid of lizards around your house?

Most of the home remedies and tips that we have shared onhow to get rid of lizardsinside your home also work outdoors. Uselizard-repellentsprays, place eggshells or peaco*ck feathers, plantlizard-repellentplants, and turn off lights when not in use. These are just some of the ways to get rid of lizards around your house.

How do I get rid of lizards permanently?

We have talked about several ways to ward off lizards and keep your home lizard-free. Following these tips diligently will ensure that you get rid of lizards permanently. However, if you are looking for something quick and more long-lasting, then you can contact a pest control service provider.

Are lizards dangerous to have around the house?

Lizards are not entirely “dangerous” and some may even argue that they are pretty harmless and do an excellent job of controlling pests. However, lizards are harbingers of diseases caused by the bacteriasalmonella, which they can transmit through their mouth, faeces, and intestines. Some lizards may even bite when threatened. As such, they are dangerous to have at home – for yourself, your kids, and even your pets.

Are common house lizards venomous?

Common house lizards are neither venomous nor poisonous. The only known lizards that are poisonous are the Heloderma, also known as the Gila Monster, and the Mexican Bearded Lizard.

How to Get Rid of Lizards without Killing Them (2024)

FAQs

How can I get rid of lizards fast at home? ›

Here's how:
  1. Mix coffee powder and loose tobacco, then shape into tiny balls.
  2. Take some toothpicks and stick these tiny balls on the tip.
  3. Place these ball-laden toothpicks around the house in places where lizards have been seen. ...
  4. Tobacco is poisonous to lizards and will kill them.

How do you get rid of lizards without touching them? ›

Following are some effective and easy ways to get rid of lizards at home:
  1. Use pepper spray. Pepper spray is the greatest option if you don't want to become a lizard murderer. ...
  2. Place onions and garlic. ...
  3. Use naphthalene balls. ...
  4. Reduce room temperature. ...
  5. Dispose unused food. ...
  6. Vent kitchen cabinets. ...
  7. Use peaco*ck feathers. ...
  8. Other ways.
12 May 2022

What smell can kill lizards? ›

Another option that attacks a lizard's senses is the smell of pepper and chillies. Here's how to get rid of lizards with spices: mix some pepper or chilli powder in water and spray them in the areas frequented by lizards. If this is not feasible, you can hang dried chillies instead. They work the same as the DIY spray.

What does vinegar do to lizards? ›

Vinegar is an acidic substance that can repellent certain pests, like lizards. Lizards have a strong sense of smell, so the vinegar may deter them from entering your home or yard. Vinegar can also kill any lizards that come in contact with it.

How do you keep lizards away permanently? ›

Things like hot sauce, pepper, and cayenne emit a strong smell that deters lizards. For best results, mix a few tablespoons of your pepper of choice with a pint of warm water. Shake the mixture well and spray it in the corners of your home, and outside, along access points like doors and windows.

Do lizards like light? ›

Lizards are attracted to light and is another reason why they are often found in your home. They use their sense of smell with their tongue. Lizards flick their tongues to capture particles in the air and taste them, which in the process helps them become aware of their surroundings.

Do lizards fear humans? ›

They seem to be afraid of humans; they will run away from predators if they feel threatened. One way to manage your phobia is to take action to ensure your home is not attractive to lizards. Firstly, ensure home is free from water and moisture and all pests including lizards require fluids to keep surviving.

Do lizards bite humans? ›

Lizard bite is very infrequent in children. Lizards tend to avoid confrontation. Bites are only inflicted when they are manipulated or when they are cornered and feel threatened. Lizard bites may be frightening but most do not cause serious health problems.

What attracts lizards to your room? ›

Lizards are attracted to bright light for two reasons: they're a heat source, and they attract insects. Turning off lights and keeping rooms of your home dark when you're not using them can make your living spaces less friendly to lizards.

What kill lizard instantly? ›

Pepper spray is an effective lizard killer spray for the elimination of lizards and should be on top of your list on how to get rid of lizards through home remedy. Spray a mixture of black pepper powder and water in the areas where you locate pests.

Which spray kills lizards? ›

Insecto-50 is a perfect DIY pest control spray which kills insects, co*ckroaches, silverfish, Ants and repels Rats and Lizards. Easy to use Insecto-50 takes care of pests at your home and offices. This is odourless spray.

What spray keeps lizards away? ›

Use a pepper spray to get rid of lizards

Use pepper water as a safe-to-use trick. Mix some black pepper powder in water and spray the solution wherever you usually find the offending pests. It is said that pepper irritates lizards , so they'll likely stay away from those spots.

Will bleach keep lizards away? ›

Tackling food sources and using strong scents might deter lizards, but what if you need to know how to get rid of a house gecko or keep all lizards at bay? Simple home cleaning could be the answer: Keep your home clean with quality products like Domestos Thick Bleach so that you're not attracting lizards.

Will baking soda harm lizards? ›

Does Baking Soda Kill Lizards? Another misconception about lizards is that baking soda will kill them, but that isn't typically true. It's possible the rumor came about because baking soda is lethal for certain pests, including many insects and some rodents. However, it won't notably harm lizards.

Is coffee poisonous to lizards? ›

A mixture of coffee powder and tobacco powder can be turned into balls, which when consumed by lizards can result in their death.

How do I keep lizards away at night? ›

You might already know that placing naphthalene balls in your storage boxes and bags can keep pests away. But did you know they can even keep lizards out of the house? No one, including lizards, likes the smell of Naphthalene balls. Place these balls in cupboards, drawers, and corners to get rid of these creatures.

Should you let lizards live in your house? ›

The greatest danger posed by lizards in houses comes from Salmonella. Most reptiles carry this bacteria in their intestines, mouths, and feces. While it doesn't harm lizards, salmonellosis in humans causes uncomfortable flu-like symptoms and may even be life-threatening.

How long can lizards survive in a house? ›

Alone, lizards survive for up to 5 years but in captivity, they could live 10 times more. In the wild, a lizard's average lifespan is about 5 years. However, when living in captivity as pets, lizards are able to live anywhere between 20-50 years of age!

What colors are lizards afraid of? ›

Notably, lizards fled at shorter distances when Putman wore dark blue than when she wore red (an average of roughly 100 versus 200 centimeters, respectively). In addition, she captured lizards about twice as often when wearing dark blue than when wearing red (84% versus about 40% of the time, respectively).

Can lizards sense fear? ›

Generally, reptiles do demonstrate basic emotions. According to Dr. Sharman Hoppes, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, the main two are fear and aggression, but they may also demonstrate pleasure when stroked or when offered food.

What do lizards love the most? ›

What Attracts Lizards in Your Home?
  • Crawling Insects. The common house lizard is naturally insectivorous, insects are one of their favourite things to eat. ...
  • Flying insects. Aside from crawling insects, lizards like to target flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, winged termites, and crickets. ...
  • Fruits and Plants. ...
  • Water.
12 Sept 2018

What happens if a lizard touches you? ›

The general results of lizard falling for men and womenLizard falling on the right side of men and the left side of women is considered auspicious and is said to give favourable results. On the other hand, if the lizard falls on the left side of a man or the right side of a woman, unfavourable results are predicted.

Can lizard see us? ›

Lizards have surprisingly well-developed eyesight for reptiles. In general, lizards tend to have very good eyesight. They rely primarily on their vision to find food and evade predators. In most regards, they can see just as well, if not better, than humans!

Do lizards remember you? ›

Despite their cold-blooded demeanor, lizards can form personal relationships with people. A team of scientists has shown that iguanas recognize their human handlers and greet them differently, compared with strangers.

Can lizards see in the dark? ›

With lots of light-sensitive rod cells in their retina and/or a vertical pupil that can expand to cover almost the entire eye in dark conditions, nocturnal reptiles can see just as well in total darkness as humans can see during the day — they can even see color!

Can lizard bite cause death? ›

Lizard bites rarely occur as there are limited human-lizard interactions. However, bacterial infections from lizard bites can occur with one such case being fatal as a result of septicemia 25 . The same concern is raised in snakes as venom is not the only challenge presented by venomous snakes. ...

Do lizards carry any diseases? ›

Both reptiles and amphibians can carry germs that make people sick. The most common germ carried by reptiles and amphibians is Salmonella. Reptiles and amphibians often carry Salmonella bacteria in their digestive tracts. Even healthy reptiles and amphibians can carry the bacteria.

Why do lizards enter homes? ›

Exposed food is a favorite of lizards and helps them breed in your home. Never leave leftover food lying around. Leftover food attracts flies and ants, which indirectly attracts lizards, as well as lizards, eat insects.

Where do lizards go to sleep at night? ›

Most lizards slept on leaves, with their heads directed towards the potential path of a predator approaching from the plant base. There was no inter-specific competition in the choices of sleeping perches.

What do house lizards do at night? ›

Most geckos are nocturnal, hiding during the day and foraging for insects at night. They can be seen climbing walls of houses and other buildings in search of insects attracted to porch lights, and are immediately recognisable by their characteristic chirping.

What happens if you kill a lizard? ›

According to the 'puranas', snakes and lizards are considered auspicious. It is believed that killing or even harming lizards in any way invites danger to your coming generations. Destroying the eggs of lizards can also bring a curse on you.

What is the best lizard killer? ›

The Best Lizard Repellent for 2022
Best forProduct
Best OverallExterminators Choice Lizard Defense Spray
Best ElectronicNeatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Best GranulesBuyBlocker Natural Lizard Blocker
Best TrapPack of 24 Mouse Mice Lizard Snake Catchers
21 Oct 2022

What temperature kills lizards? ›

Freezing temperatures — 32 degrees or below — are fatal to green iguanas and many other lizard species.

Do lizards hate vinegar? ›

Vinegar Spray Keeps Lizards Out

Vinegar has such a pungent smell that it is no surprise that it is effective at keeping lizards away. Vinegar has a wide variety of uses, from cleaning to cooking to pest control.

Where do lizards hide in a house? ›

Lizards often enjoying hanging out in small or covered spaces. Check under any couches, chairs, desks, bookshelves, or tables in the room. Closets, vents, baseboards, cushions, and potted plants are also popular places for lizards to hide. You may need to use a flashlight to see into dark spaces.

Do lizards attract snakes? ›

If you think that attracting more lizards to your yard will help to keep snakes at bay, then you should know that it likely won't work. You should look into other methods that are more practical for repelling snakes.

What is poisonous to lizards? ›

Avoid spiders, ticks, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, and fireflies. Fireflies are especially toxic because they contain a self-defense toxin called lucibufa*gin, which is extremely poisonous to reptiles. One firefly can kill a small reptile.

Do lizards like hot water? ›

Reptiles are homeotherms, meaning they adjust their body temperatures to that of their surroundings. Thus, if they soak in water, it should neither be too hot nor too cold and keep their bath time short- a 10-minute soak is ideal for most reptiles no matter if they are a lizard or a snake.

Is dish soap toxic to lizards? ›

The bottom line is that no dish soap is safe for reptiles, including Dawn.

Are lizards Afraid of Red? ›

Western fence lizards are more spooked by red and gray shirts than they are by blue ones—perhaps because the males have blue bellies themselves. Christopher Intagliata reports.

What plants do lizards hate? ›

Plant lavenders in pots or flowerbeds to help repel lizards and the insects they eat. Most people enjoy the smell of lavender. Lizards, though, do not. Linalool, a natural compound, is responsible for lavender's strong scent and can also help deter other irritating pests that lizards may be attracted to, like wasps.

What kills lizards at home? ›

Pepper spray is an effective lizard killer spray for the elimination of lizards and should be on top of your list on how to get rid of lizards through home remedy. Spray a mixture of black pepper powder and water in the areas where you locate pests.

What attracts lizard in house? ›

A house with water, food and shelter are what attracts lizards in your home. Water from leaking pipes, stagnant water from small garden ponds, and even water from the kitchen sink could keep lizards around your home. Different types of lizards need different amounts of water.

How long will a lizard live in my house? ›

Alone, lizards survive for up to 5 years but in captivity, they could live 10 times more. In the wild, a lizard's average lifespan is about 5 years. However, when living in captivity as pets, lizards are able to live anywhere between 20-50 years of age!

Are lizards attracted to light at night? ›

Shut Off Lights When Not in Use

Lizards are attracted to bright light for two reasons: they're a heat source, and they attract insects. Turning off lights and keeping rooms of your home dark when you're not using them can make your living spaces less friendly to lizards.

Is it good to have a lot of lizards around your house? ›

In fact, they help us because they eat pests

But don't freak out: If you spot a little lizard in your house, it may actually be a good thing. Most lizards eat insects, so they can help rid your home and garden of harmful critters.

Is it good if lizards in the house? ›

House lizards are all friendly and useful. They come to your room because you have lots of small insects and flies in it and they come to eat them. If you leave crumbs and unwashed things like dishes in the kitchen, that attracts insects.

Is lizard lucky in the house? ›

According to the 'puranas', snakes and lizards are considered auspicious. It is believed that killing or even harming lizards in any way invites danger to your coming generations.

Are lizards harmful? ›

Most lizards, in reality, are harmless to humans, as are most turtles; however, there are certain members of both groups that can kill, maim, make ill, or inflict at least mild levels of pain on their hapless human victims. Some lizards are, in fact, venomous, and some are quite aggressive.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6126

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.