Effective and Ethical Methods for Removing Lizards from Your Home, Porch, and Yard

Lizards are small reptiles that often find their way into our homes, porches, and yards. Whilst these creatures may be harmless and even beneficial for controlling insect populations, many people prefer to keep them outside. If you’re looking for ways to repel lizards and prevent them from entering your living space, there are several humane methods you can try.

One effective way to deter lizards from entering your house or porch is by making the area less appealing to them. Lizards are attracted to warm and cozy spots, so ensure that there are no piles of clutter or debris where they could hide. Regularly sweeping and tidying both inside and outside your home can make it less attractive for lizards to reside.

Another approach to keeping lizards out is by creating a hostile environment for them. Lizards dislike certain smells, such as the strong scent of pepper. Sprinkling crushed pepper around the areas where lizards are likely to enter can help keep them away. Additionally, you can try using landscaping techniques to control lizard populations. For example, planting plants that naturally repel lizards, such as basil or marigold, can discourage them from settling in your yard or garden.

If you come across a lizard inside your house, it’s important to remember to handle it humanely. Trying to catch or kill the lizard directly can be stressful for both you and the reptile. Instead, consider using a catch-and-release method. Using a container or a piece of cardboard, gently capture the lizard and release it outside in a safe area away from your home, ensuring it has a chance to find suitable shelter.

It is worth noting that whilst lizards can be a nuisance inside your home or porch, they play an important role in the ecosystem and can contribute to pest control. Therefore, finding a balance between making your living spaces lizard-free and respecting their presence in your yard can be beneficial for both you and the lizards.

Remember, if you’re encountering a persistent lizard problem and none of these methods are working, it may be helpful to consult with an expert in pest control. They can provide you with specific advice tailored to your situation and help you find a solution that keeps lizards at bay while still maintaining the privacy and enjoyment of your home and garden.

How to get rid of lizards

If you have lizards in your house, backyard, or garden, you may be looking for humane ways to remove them. Here are some points to consider:

1. Make your home less attractive to lizards

• Keep your home tidy: Clean up any food crumbs and spills to remove potential food sources for lizards.
• Seal cracks and holes: Lizards can enter your home through small gaps, so make sure to seal any entry points.
• Remove hiding spots: Lizards often hide in cluttered areas, so keep your home organized to reduce hiding places.

2. Use natural lizard repellents

• Pepper spray: Mixing water and pepper powder can create a spray that lizards dislike. Spray this mixture in areas where lizards are likely to hide or appear.
• Eggshells: Placing broken eggshells around your home can deter lizards, as they dislike the smell.
• Coffee powder: Sprinkling coffee powder in areas where lizards are often seen can help repel them.

3. Create unfavorable conditions for lizards

• Temperature control: Lizards are more likely to stay outside if the temperatures inside your home are not warm and inviting. Use fans or air conditioning to ensure cooler temperatures.
• Landscaping: Remove any dense vegetation or overgrown plants around your home that may attract lizards. Keeping your yard tidy can make it less appealing for them to approach.
• Decrease humidity: Lizards prefer humid environments, so using dehumidifiers can help make your home less suitable for them.

4. Capture and release the lizards

• Use a lizard trap: You can purchase a lizard trap or make one using a container and some bait, such as insects. Once captured, release the lizards outside, away from your home.
• Sweep them out: If you spot a lizard indoors, gently herd it towards an open door with a broom. This allows you to direct the lizard outside without causing harm.

Remember, it is important to handle lizards with care and avoid harming them. By following these tips and techniques, you can make your home a less inviting place for lizards and encourage them to move away.

1 Get rid of insects to remove their food source

If you want to get rid of lizards in your house, porch, or yard, the first step is to get rid of their food source – insects. Lizards are attracted to places where they can find a direct food supply, so if you reduce the number of insects around your home, you will automatically reduce the number of lizards.

There are several ways to do this:

1. Keep your house clean: Make sure to sweep up any food crumbs or spills and keep your floors and countertops tidy. By eliminating potential food sources, you can discourage insects from entering your home and, in turn, attract fewer lizards.
2. Remove standing water: Insects are often attracted to stagnant water, so regularly check your yard or backyard for any areas where water may be collecting. Fix any leaky pipes or drains and empty out containers that could hold water, such as flower pots or buckets.
3. Control garden pests: Insects can also hide in gardens and vegetation, so it’s important to keep your garden tidy and free from pests. Use natural insect repellents or organic pest control methods to deter insects without harming the environment.
4. Install screens: To prevent insects from entering your home, make sure all windows and doors have screens in place. This will allow fresh air to flow in while keeping insects out, reducing their presence and tempting fewer lizards to enter.
5. Consider landscaping trends: Certain landscaping choices can attract more insects and, consequently, more lizards. Avoid planting shrubs or plants close to your house that are known to attract insects. Instead, opt for plants that repel insects, such as lavender or marigolds.

By implementing these methods, you can significantly reduce the presence of insects around your home, making it less appealing to lizards. This way, you can find a long-term solution to the lizard problem without resorting to harmful chemicals or extermination methods.

2 Use a natural repellent

If you’re not comfortable using traps or chemicals to deal with lizards, there are natural repellents you can try. While these methods are not foolproof, they can help discourage lizards from making your porch, yard, or garden their home.

Plant herbs and flowers

Lizards are repelled by strong smells, so planting certain herbs and flowers in your garden can deter them from coming near. Some plants with strong scents that lizards dislike include lavender, basil, mint, and marigold. Place these plants strategically around your yard to create a barrier that lizards are less likely to cross.

Use pepper spray

Pepper spray is another natural repellent that can be effective in keeping lizards away. Mix a small amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with water and spray it around the areas where lizards tend to gather. The strong smell and taste of the peppers will deter lizards from approaching those spots.

Keep your yard tidy

Lizards are attracted to cluttered and untidy areas as they provide hiding places and abundance of insects to feed on. To make your yard less appealing to lizards, keep it clean and tidy. Regularly sweep away fallen leaves, trim overgrown vegetation, and remove any piles of debris. This will make it less likely for lizards to find suitable hiding spots in your yard.

Create unfavorable conditions

Lizards thrive in warm and humid environments, so making your house and yard less hospitable for them can help repel them. Use landscaping techniques to create shaded areas and remove or prune any plants that provide direct sunlight. Fix any leaks or sources of standing water in your yard, as these can attract insects that lizards feed on. By creating less favorable conditions, you can discourage lizards from making your yard their home.

Remember, using natural repellents may not completely eliminate lizards from your surroundings, but they can be a great way to control their presence and keep them away from your house, porch, and yard.

3 Catch and release the lizard

Catching and releasing lizards can be a humane way to remove them from your yard or house. Here are some tips on how to safely catch and release these reptiles:

1. Identify the best place to catch the lizard: Before attempting to catch a lizard, it’s important to identify the areas where they are commonly found. Lizards are often found in warm and hiding spots like porches, gardens, or backyard. Look for areas where lizards are likely to be, such as under rocks, near plants, or in small crevices.
2. Make sure you have the right tools: To catch a lizard, you might need a few supplies such as gloves, a small net, or even a lizard trap. It’s important to use gentle tools and avoid harming the lizard in any way.
3. Approach the lizard carefully: Lizards are fast and agile, so it’s important to approach them slowly and calmly. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that may scare the lizard away. Try to control the lizard’s movement by directing it towards a specific point or corner.
4. Use a trap or your hands to catch the lizard: If you have a lizard trap, you can set it up to catch the lizard and release it later. Alternatively, you can use your hands or a net to gently catch the lizard. It’s important to handle the lizard with care to avoid harming it.
5. Release the lizard in a suitable location: Once you have successfully caught the lizard, find a suitable location to release it. Ideally, this should be an area away from your home where the lizard can find suitable shelter and food. Make sure the area provides privacy and suitable conditions for the lizard to thrive.

Catching and releasing lizards can be a great way to maintain a balance between human and animal interactions. However, if you’re unsure about catching lizards or dealing with them effectively, it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert in wildlife control or removal. They can provide you with the best advice and assistance in handling lizards and making your surroundings lizard-free.

4 Seal off entry points

One of the most important steps in getting rid of lizards from your house, porch, and yard is to seal off their entry points. Lizards are small creatures that can easily find their way into your home through small openings in windows, doors, and cracks in walls. To prevent them from entering, you need to be thorough in your efforts.

A good way to start is by checking for any gaps or cracks in your windows and doors. Ensure that there are no openings that lizards can squeeze through. Use weatherstripping or silicone caulk to seal off these areas. Also, make sure that your screens are intact and without holes. Lizards can enter through even the tiniest openings, so it’s essential to be meticulous.

Another entry point that lizards commonly use is gaps underneath your doors. To prevent their entry, you can use door sweeps or install door guards that cover the gap. This will create a barrier and make it difficult for lizards to enter your home.

Additionally, lizards can find their way inside through cracks or gaps in the walls. Inspect your walls for any potential entry points. Fill in these gaps using caulk or another suitable material. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, vents, and electrical outlets, as they are common spots for lizards to crawl through.

It’s also important to keep your yard and garden tidy. Lizards are more likely to be attracted to areas where they can find hiding spots or food. Trim overgrown vegetation, sweep up leaves and debris, and keep your garden well-maintained. By doing so, you’ll eliminate potential habitats for lizards and reduce the chances of them approaching your house.

In addition to sealing off entry points, you can also use natural repellents to deter lizards from your home. Lizards have a keen sense of smell, and there are certain scents that they dislike. Spreading pepper flakes or coffee grounds around entry points or areas where lizards are commonly spotted can help repel them.

By following these steps and being vigilant in sealing off entry points, you can effectively prevent lizards from entering your home, porch, and yard. Remember to stay consistent with your efforts and regularly check for any new openings that may arise.

5 Plant outdoor plants that deter lizards

If you have noticed lizards invading your outdoor spaces and want to keep them in check, one effective and natural way to repel them is by planting certain outdoor plants that deter lizards. These plants can create an unpleasant environment for the lizards and discourage them from approaching your porch, yard, or garden. Here are five plants that can help you maintain lizard control:

1. Peppermint: Lizards dislike the strong smell of peppermint, so planting it in pots or beds around your house can repel them. Peppermint is easy to grow and its leaves can be used for various purposes, making it a great addition to your landscaping.
2. Basil: Another plant with a strong scent that lizards don’t like is basil. Planting basil in your garden or placing potted basil plants around your porch or yard can help deter lizards from venturing too close to your home.
3. Sansevieria (Snake Plant): Sansevieria, commonly known as the snake plant, is a popular choice for indoor decoration. However, it can also be planted outside to repel lizards. Its sharp, upright leaves make it difficult for lizards to hide or climb on.
4. Marigold: Marigolds are beautiful flowers that can also serve as a natural lizard deterrent. Planting marigolds in your garden or placing them in pots around your porch can help keep lizards away from your home.
5. Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that lizards tend to avoid. Planting rosemary bushes or placing potted rosemary plants in your yard or around your porch can help repel lizards and add a delightful aroma to your outdoor space.

These plants not only create an unfavorable environment for lizards but also add beauty and diversity to your landscaping. By incorporating these plants into your yard or garden, you can make it less attractive to lizards and reduce the chances of them finding suitable hiding spots or points of entry around your home.

It’s important to note that whilst these plants can help deter lizards, they may not provide a foolproof solution, especially if your yard or the surrounding area has a high lizard population. In that case, it is recommended to combine these plant-based methods with other lizard control measures to effectively keep them at bay.

If you spot lizards inside your home, it is important not to catch them and release them outside, as they are likely to find their way back in. Instead, consider contacting a pest control expert who can safely and effectively remove them from your home.

In conclusion, planting outdoor plants that deter lizards can be a great way to naturally control lizard populations in your yard and keep them away from your home. These plants not only serve as a deterrent but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Consider incorporating these plants into your landscaping to create a lizard-free and beautiful environment.

6 Keep your yard and porch tidy to eliminate hiding spaces and shelter

One important way to get rid of lizards and prevent them from entering your homes and porches is to keep your yard and porch tidy. Lizards often find hiding spots in cluttered areas, so a clean and well-maintained yard can help eliminate these potential hiding spaces and shelter.

Start by removing any debris or unnecessary items from your yard and porch. This includes clearing away any piles of wood, leaves, or rocks that may provide hiding spots for lizards. Additionally, make sure to trim overgrown bushes or shrubs and maintain a well-manicured lawn.

Keep in mind that lizards can also find their way inside the house through open windows or doors. To prevent them from gaining access, make sure all windows and doors have screens installed, and regularly check for any gaps or cracks that need to be sealed.

Creating an environment that is less appealing for lizards will help discourage them from entering your property. Lizards are most active in warm conditions, so it’s important to control the temperature and humidity levels in and around your home.

Regularly sweep the porch and yard to remove any fallen leaves or debris that may attract insects, which in turn can attract lizards. Keeping the area clean and free from potential food sources will make it less attractive for lizards to stay or move in.

Additionally, consider incorporating landscaping elements that are less hospitable to lizards. For example, using gravel or rocks instead of mulch in your garden can discourage lizards from taking up residence. Planting certain types of plants or herbs, such as marigolds, can also help repel lizards due to their strong smell.

Key points:

• Keep your yard and porch tidy and well-maintained to eliminate hiding spaces and shelter for lizards.
• Remove any debris or clutter that may provide hiding spots for lizards.
• Trim overgrown bushes or shrubs and maintain a well-manicured lawn.
• Install screens on windows and doors to prevent lizards from entering your home.
• Sweep the porch and yard regularly to remove fallen leaves and debris that may attract insects.
• Control the temperature and humidity levels in and around your home to make it less appealing for lizards.
• Consider using gravel or rocks in your garden instead of mulch, and plant certain types of plants or herbs that repel lizards.

By following these steps, you can make your yard and porch a less desirable place for lizards, ultimately discouraging them from coming near your home.

Avoid using egg shells as a deterrent

While it is a commonly believed notion that egg shells can be an effective way to deter lizards, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Using egg shells as a deterrent may seem like a simple and inexpensive solution, but it is not proven to be effective in repelling lizards.

In reality, lizards are not typically deterred by egg shells and may still enter your garden or yard regardless. Lizards can easily move around or over egg shells, as they are lightweight and can be easily maneuvered. Therefore, relying solely on this method may not effectively keep lizards away from your desired areas.

However, if you do choose to try using egg shells as a deterrent, it is important to consider a few points. Make sure to crush the egg shells into small pieces to create an uneven surface that may make it more difficult for lizards to walk across. Additionally, regularly check and replace the egg shells as they may break down over time or get washed away due to weather conditions.

It is crucial to understand that using egg shells as a deterrent should not be your only method of controlling lizards. It is important to implement a comprehensive approach that includes various strategies to make your yard and garden less attractive to lizards.

If you are having repeated problems with lizards getting into your home or are unsure of the best way to handle the situation, it may be beneficial to consult with a pest control expert. They can provide you with professional advice and guidance on the most effective ways to prevent and control lizards in and around your home.

How do I get rid of lizards permanently

If you’re looking to permanently remove lizards from your home, yard, porch, or garden, there are several humane ways to do so. Below are some effective methods to consider:

1. Remove their hiding spots

Lizards often hide in small, secluded areas, so it’s important to make sure your home and yard are tidy. Sweep up any fallen leaves, clear out clutter, and seal any cracks or gaps where lizards may be able to enter your home.

2. Create an unfavorable environment

Lizards are attracted to warm and damp conditions, so make sure to keep your home cool and dry. Fix any leaky pipes, dry out any areas with excessive moisture, and ensure proper ventilation throughout your home.

3. Repel them with smells

Lizards have a strong sense of smell, so you can use scents they dislike to keep them away. Some common natural repellents include coffee grounds, garlic, onion, and pepper. Place these items strategically around your home and yard to repel lizards.

4. Catch and release

If you want to remove lizards without harming them, you can catch them using humane traps. Once caught, release them far away from your home and any other buildings. However, it’s important to note that lizards are beneficial reptiles that help control insect populations, so think twice before completely removing them from your property.

5. Seek expert help

If you have a serious problem with lizards and other reptiles around your home, it may be best to consult with a professional pest control company. They have the knowledge and expertise to effectively remove lizards and prevent their return in the most humane way possible.

By following these tips, you can effectively get rid of lizards permanently from your house, porch, and yard, while still maintaining a balanced ecosystem in your garden.