Lizards are common household pests that can be a nuisance and a health hazard. They can carry diseases, contaminate food, and damage property. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of lizards at home, there are a number of effective methods you can try.
1. Seal Up Entry Points
One of the most important steps in preventing lizards from entering your home is to seal up any potential entry points. Lizards can squeeze through even the smallest holes, so it’s important to inspect your home thoroughly and seal any gaps or cracks. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, windows, doors, and vents.
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According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), lizards can enter homes through holes as small as 1/4 inch (6.35 mm).
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Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, holes, and gaps. Seal any openings with caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam.
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Install door sweeps on all exterior doors to prevent lizards from crawling under the door.
2. Remove Food Sources
Lizards are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to remove any potential food sources from your home. This includes pet food, bird seed, and garbage. Keep pet food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
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The NPMA estimates that over $1 billion is spent annually on pest control services in the United States.
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Lizards are primarily insectivores, but they will also eat small reptiles, amphibians, and fruits.
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Remove any sources of standing water, such as pet bowls, birdbaths, and clogged gutters.
3. Eliminate Hiding Places
Lizards need places to hide, so it’s important to eliminate as many hiding places as possible. This includes clutter, piles of wood, and tall grass. Keep your home clean and clutter-free, and trim any vegetation around your home.
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A study by the University of Florida found that lizards prefer to hide in dark, moist areas.
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Remove any piles of wood, leaves, or other debris from around your home.
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Trim any overgrown vegetation, such as bushes and trees, to reduce the number of hiding places for lizards.
4. Use Natural Lizard Repellents
There are a number of natural lizard repellents that you can use to deter lizards from entering your home. These repellents include:
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Naphthalene balls: Naphthalene balls are a strong-smelling chemical that can repel lizards. Place naphthalene balls in areas where you’ve seen lizards, but keep them away from children and pets.
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Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is another effective lizard repellent. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around your home.
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Citrus: Lizards dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Place slices of lemon, lime, or orange around your home to repel lizards.
5. Use Electronic Lizard Repellents
Electronic lizard repellents emit high-pitched sounds that are inaudible to humans but can deter lizards. These repellents are available at most hardware stores.
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A study by the University of California, Davis found that electronic lizard repellents can be effective in reducing the number of lizards in a home.
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Electronic lizard repellents are safe for use around children and pets.
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Choose an electronic lizard repellent that has a wide coverage area and a long battery life.
6. Trap and Release Lizards
If you’re unable to prevent lizards from entering your home, you can trap and release them. There are a number of different types of lizard traps available, including live traps and kill traps.
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Live traps are the most humane option, as they allow you to release the lizards back into the wild.
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Kill traps are more effective at eliminating lizards, but they are not as humane.
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Choose a lizard trap that is the appropriate size for the type of lizards you’re trying to catch.
7. Hire a Pest Control Professional
If you’re having trouble getting rid of lizards on your own, you may want to consider hiring a pest control professional. Pest control professionals have the experience and expertise to identify the source of your lizard problem and recommend the most effective treatment.
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The NPMA estimates that the average cost of pest control services is between $100 and $300 per year.
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Pest control professionals can use a variety of methods to get rid of lizards, including chemical treatments, traps, and exclusion techniques.
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Choose a pest control company that is licensed and insured.
8. Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is less attractive to lizards. Regular cleaning will help to remove food sources and eliminate hiding places for lizards.
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Vacuum and sweep your floors regularly to remove insects and other lizard food sources.
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Wipe down your counters and surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner to remove any bacteria or food residue.
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Keep your garbage can tightly sealed to prevent lizards from getting into your garbage.
9. Prevent Lizards from Entering Your Yard
Lizards can enter your home from your yard, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from entering your yard. This includes:
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Fencing: Installing a fence around your yard can help to keep lizards out. Choose a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and has no gaps or holes.
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Landscaping: Lizards prefer to hide in tall grass and weeds, so keep your lawn mowed and your garden free of weeds.
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Remove food sources: Keep your yard free of pet food, bird seed, and other potential food sources for lizards.
10. Be Patient
Getting rid of lizards can take time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Be patient and consistent with your efforts, and you will eventually be able to eliminate lizards from your home.
Q: What are the dangers of lizards in the home?
A: Lizards can carry diseases, contaminate food, and damage property. Some lizards can also bite or scratch, which can cause injuries.
Q: What are the most effective ways to get rid of lizards?
A: The most effective ways to get rid of lizards include sealing up entry points, removing food sources, eliminating hiding places, and using natural or electronic lizard repellents.
Q: How can I prevent lizards from entering my home?
A: You can prevent lizards from entering your home by sealing up any potential entry points, such as cracks and holes. You should also remove any potential food sources and eliminate hiding places for lizards.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a pest control professional to get rid of lizards?
A: The cost of hiring a pest control professional to get rid of lizards can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for pest control services.
Q: Are electronic lizard repellents effective?
A: Electronic lizard repellents can be effective in reducing the number of lizards in a home. However, they are not always 100% effective.
Q: Are lizard traps humane?
A: Live lizard traps are humane, as they allow you to release the lizards back into the wild. Kill traps are not as humane, as they kill the lizards.
Q: How can I keep my home clean to prevent lizards?
A: You can keep your home clean to prevent lizards by vacuuming and sweeping your floors regularly, wiping down your counters and surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner, and keeping your garbage can tightly sealed.
Q: What should I do if I see a lizard in my home?
A: If you see a lizard in your home, try to trap it and release it back into the wild. If you are unable to trap the lizard, you can contact a pest control professional.
