Introduction
Lizards are common household pests that can be a nuisance. They can contaminate food, spread diseases, and damage property. While lizards are generally harmless, they can be a problem if they become too numerous.
5 Effective Ways to Keep Lizards Away from Your Home
1. Seal Entry Points
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent lizards from entering your home is to seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation, walls, and roof. Lizards can squeeze through even the smallest openings, so it’s important to be thorough. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam to seal up any gaps.
Tip: According to the National Pest Management Association, over 80% of lizards enter homes through unsealed entry points.
2. Remove Food Sources
Lizards are attracted to food, so it’s important to remove any potential food sources from your home. This includes pet food, spilled food, and garbage. Keep your pet food in sealed containers, and be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Take out the trash regularly, and keep your garbage cans covered.
Fact: Lizards can survive for up to a month without food, so it’s important to be consistent with your cleaning efforts.
3. Eliminate Hiding Places
Lizards like to hide in dark, moist places. To make your home less appealing to lizards, remove any clutter or debris that could provide them with a hiding place. Keep your yard clean and free of overgrown vegetation. Trim trees and bushes around your home, and remove any piles of leaves or wood.
Tip: Lizards are particularly fond of hiding in garages and sheds. Be sure to keep these areas clean and well-ventilated.
4. Use Natural Repellents
There are a number of natural repellents that you can use to keep lizards away from your home. These include:
- Cinnamon: Lizards despise the smell of cinnamon. You can sprinkle cinnamon around your home, or place cinnamon sticks in areas where lizards are likely to enter.
- Peppermint: Lizards are also repelled by the smell of peppermint. You can plant peppermint plants around your home, or diffuse peppermint oil indoors.
- Garlic: Garlic is another natural lizard repellent. You can crush garlic cloves and sprinkle them around your home, or plant garlic bulbs in your yard.
Caution: Some natural repellents can be harmful to pets. Be sure to do your research before using any of these products.
5. Call a Professional
If you’re unable to keep lizards out of your home on your own, you may want to call a professional pest control company. Pest control companies have access to a variety of effective lizard control methods, including traps, baits, and chemical treatments.
Note: Professional pest control services can be expensive. However, they can be a good option if you’re dealing with a severe lizard infestation.
Conclusion
Lizards can be a nuisance, but there are a number of steps you can take to prevent them from entering your home. By sealing up entry points, removing food sources, eliminating hiding places, using natural repellents, and calling a professional if necessary, you can keep your home lizard-free.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you prevent lizards from entering your home:
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Repair any leaks or water damage.
- Keep your yard mowed and free of overgrown vegetation.
- Remove any piles of leaves or wood from your yard.
- Trim trees and bushes around your home.
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation, walls, and roof.
- Keep pet food in sealed containers.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Keep your garbage cans covered.
- Use natural repellents, such as cinnamon, peppermint, or garlic.
- Call a professional pest control company if necessary
