If you’re searching for safe and effective ways to remove lizards from your house this summer, you’re not alone. As temperatures rise, lizards often sneak indoors in search of food, water, and cooler shelter. While they’re harmless and even useful for controlling insects, their presence on walls, ceilings, and kitchen counters can be unsettling, especially when they startle you unexpectedly. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or pest control services. This detailed guide covers the best natural home remedies and prevention tips to help you keep lizards out for good this summer.
Why do lizards come inside the house in summer?
Lizards enter homes primarily in search of insects and a cooler environment. They are attracted to dark corners, moisture, open food, and cluttered spaces. During the hot summer months, your home offers them shade and food, making it an ideal hiding spot. Understanding their reasons for entering helps you take the right steps to keep them out.
Common house lizards you may see
Source: Wikipedia
The most common lizards found indoors are house geckos. These small, greyish reptiles are harmless but often considered a nuisance. Garden lizards are another species you might occasionally spot inside, especially near windows or balconies. In rare cases, larger monitor lizards may appear in rural homes or storage areas, though they usually avoid human contact.
How to get rid of lizards naturally: Effective home remedies for summer
Seal all entry points
Lizards can easily slip through small openings. To keep them out, inspect your windows, doors, bathroom vents, and wall cracks for gaps or holes. Apply caulk or plaster to seal any cracks, and install door sweeps or mesh screens to block entry. This is an essential first step in making your home unwelcoming to them.
Keep your home clean
A tidy home discourages insects—and in turn, lizards. Since these reptiles feed on bugs like mosquitoes, flies, and ants, cleanliness plays a major role in prevention. Sweep and mop floors regularly, avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight, empty trash bins daily, and store food properly. By cutting off their food supply, you make your home less attractive to lizards.
Declutter and eliminate hiding spots
Lizards thrive in quiet, cluttered areas. Clean behind furniture, organise storage shelves, and avoid stacking newspapers, cardboard boxes, or unused items for long periods. Focus on corners, cupboards, and storerooms—keeping these spaces neat reduces hiding places and makes your home less inviting to lizards.
Peppermint oil spray
Peppermint oil is a natural and effective deterrent. Lizards dislike its strong scent. To create your own spray, mix 10–15 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Apply it around window sills, behind appliances, and in corners where lizards appear. Reapply every two days to maintain its effectiveness.
Onion and garlic cloves
Both garlic and onion work as natural repellents due to their strong odours, which lizards avoid. Place slices of onion or peeled garlic cloves near sinks, drains, and entry points. These ingredients act as natural barriers, discouraging lizards from entering or staying in those areas.
Use eggshells as natural deterrents
Odd as it may seem, eggshells can deter lizards by mimicking the presence of predators. Scatter clean, broken eggshell halves in kitchens, balconies, or near windows. Replace them every few days to keep the visual cue fresh and effective.
Coffee and tobacco ball remedy
Mix equal parts of coffee powder and tobacco, then add a few drops of water to form small balls. Place these in corners or behind appliances. The strong smell repels lizards quickly. However, ensure these are kept away from pets and children due to the toxicity of tobacco.
Let your pet help
Cats are natural lizard hunters and often scare them away by simply being around. Let your pets explore corners, storerooms, and kitchens where lizards may hide. Even some dogs help deter lizards by sniffing around and creating movement in typically quiet areas.Keeping lizards away during summer requires consistent effort: maintaining cleanliness, blocking potential entry points, and using natural repellents. With regular attention to these areas, you can enjoy a comfortable and lizard-free home all summer long.Also Read: Living room design tips: 6 essential dos and don’ts for a stylish, functional space