How to Get Rid of Lizards: Tips and Techniques

Lizards are fascinating creatures and play an important role in the ecosystem, but when they start invading your living space, they can quickly become a nuisance. Not only do they often leave droppings and cause damage to your property, but some species of lizards can also pose a threat to your health if they carry diseases. This is especially true in areas with high humidity and warm temperatures, where lizards thrive.

If you’re dealing with a lizard infestation or looking for ways to prevent them from entering your home, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at different species of lizards, their behavior, and effective techniques to get rid of them. Whether you prefer natural repellents or pest control services, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to say goodbye to lizards for good.

Understanding Lizards and Their Behavior

Identifying Common Lizard Species

Lizards are fascinating creatures that come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In fact, there are over 6,000 species of lizards worldwide! While it may be difficult to identify every single type of lizard, there are several common species that you may encounter in your home or garden.

Common Lizard Species

1. House Gecko

The house gecko is one of the most common lizards found in homes across the world. This small, nocturnal lizard has a flat body and can climb up walls and ceilings with ease. They are typically brown or gray in color and feed on insects.

2. Green Anole

The green anole, also known as the American chameleon, is a small lizard commonly found in the southeastern United States. They are bright green in color and can change colors depending on their mood or surroundings. Green anoles primarily feed on insects and are often kept as pets.

3. Mediterranean Gecko

The Mediterranean gecko is another common lizard found in homes across the world. They are nocturnal and have a distinctive call that sounds like “geck-o.” These lizards are tan or light brown in color and have large eyes with vertical pupils.

4. Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon is a popular pet lizard that originates from Australia. They are medium-sized lizards with spiny skin and a “beard” of spikes on their throat. Bearded dragons are omnivores and eat both insects and plants.

Identification Tips

Identifying common lizard species can be tricky, but there are a few key features to look out for. Pay attention to the lizard’s size, shape, color, and behavior. Take note of any distinctive markings or patterns on their skin, as well as the shape and size of their head and limbs.

You can also use online resources, such as field guides and reptile identification websites, to help you identify different lizard species. Additionally, if you’re unsure about a particular lizard, it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional.

By learning how to identify common lizard species, you can better understand these fascinating creatures and appreciate their unique characteristics.

Understanding Lizard Behavior

Lizards are fascinating creatures, and understanding their behavior can help you prevent them from infesting your home. Lizards are cold-blooded reptiles that depend on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. They also have unique behaviors related to their habitat and diet.

Habitat

Lizards can be found in a wide range of habitats, including deserts, forests, wetlands, and even urban areas. Different species of lizards have adapted to different types of environments and may exhibit different behaviors based on their habitat.

For example, some desert lizards are active during the day and take shelter in burrows or under rocks to avoid the intense heat of the sun. Forest-dwelling lizards may be more active at night and may climb trees to forage for food or escape predators.

Diet

Lizards are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever prey is available in their habitat. Their diet typically consists of insects, spiders, small mammals, and other lizards. Some species of lizards, such as the green iguana, are herbivores and feed on flowers, fruits, and leaves.

Lizard behavior related to their diet includes hunting techniques, feeding habits, and territoriality. For example, some lizards use their long tongues to capture insects, while others may ambush their prey from a hidden location.

Understanding lizard behavior can help you identify potential entry points into your home, as well as areas where they may be more likely to congregate. By taking steps to prevent lizards from entering your home, you can reduce the risk of infestation and protect both your property and your family’s health.

Prevention Techniques to Keep Lizards Away

Sealing Entry Points

If you want to keep lizards out of your home, one of the most effective prevention techniques is to seal entry points. Lizards are small and can fit through even the tiniest gaps and cracks in your walls, windows, doors, or foundation. By sealing these entry points, you can create a physical barrier that prevents lizards from entering your home.

How to Identify Entry Points

Before you start sealing entry points, you need to identify them first. This can be done by inspecting your home’s exterior and interior for any gaps, holes, or cracks that are larger than 1/4 inch. Some common entry points for lizards include:

Gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical conduits
Cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings
Spaces under doors and windows
Holes in screens and mesh coverings

Once you have identified these entry points, you can use the following methods to seal them.

Methods for Sealing Entry Points

1. Caulking

Caulking is a simple and cost-effective way to seal gaps and cracks in your home. You can use silicone or acrylic caulk to fill in any openings around pipes, cables, and other fixtures. Make sure to apply the caulk evenly and smooth it out with a putty knife or a gloved finger. Caulk can also be used to seal gaps around doors and windows.

2. Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is another effective way to seal gaps around doors and windows. It involves applying a strip of foam or rubber material around the edges of the door or window frame to create a tight seal. Weatherstripping can reduce energy costs and prevent insects and rodents from entering your home as well.

3. Mesh Coverings

Mesh coverings can be used to block off larger openings such as vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces. Stainless steel or aluminum mesh can be cut to size and secured over the opening with screws or adhesive. This method works well for preventing larger pests like rodents and birds as well.

4. Door Sweeps

Door sweeps are strips of rubber or bristle material that are attached to the bottom of doors to seal gaps between the door and the floor. They are particularly effective for preventing lizards from entering your home through gaps under doors. Door sweeps are easy to install and can be trimmed to fit any size door.

Conclusion

Sealing entry points is an important step in preventing lizards from entering your home. By identifying and sealing these gaps and cracks, you can create a physical barrier that makes it difficult for lizards to gain access to your living space. Using simple techniques like caulking, weatherstripping, mesh coverings, and door sweeps can go a long way in keeping your home lizard-free.

Reducing Food Sources

Lizards are attracted to places where they can easily find food. If you want to keep them away from your home, reducing their food sources is a crucial step. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Cleanup Your Home

Lizards can feed on small insects like flies and mosquitoes. Therefore, it’s important to maintain good hygiene in your home by cleaning up any areas where there may be food scraps, crumbs, or other debris. Make sure to sweep and mop your floors regularly, and dispose of any leftover food or packaging in a secure trash bin.

Secure Your Garbage

Garbage cans can attract all sorts of pests, including lizards. Make sure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and are kept away from your home’s entry points. This will reduce the likelihood of lizards finding their way into your home in search of food.

Store Food Properly

If you have pets or keep food out in the open, make sure to store it properly in sealed containers. Lizards can easily access bags of pet food or other food items that are left out in the open. By storing food in sealed containers, you’ll reduce the chances of lizards being attracted to your home.

By taking these steps, you’ll be able to reduce the food sources that attract lizards to your home. This, in turn, will make it less likely that you’ll have to deal with these unwanted visitors.

Using Natural Repellents

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly approach to keeping lizards away from your home, natural repellents could be the answer. There are a number of plants that can repel lizards thanks to their strong scent or taste. Here are some effective options:

1. Peacock Flower

Peacock flower, also known as pride of Barbados or Caesalpinia pulcherrima, is a tropical plant with beautiful orange and yellow flowers that can help keep lizards away. The strong scent of its leaves and flowers is unpleasant to lizards, making them less likely to stick around.

2. Garlic

Garlic has a pungent smell that can repel not only lizards but also other pests like mosquitoes and flies. Crush a few cloves of garlic and sprinkle them in areas where you’ve spotted lizards or around entry points to your home.

3. Onion

Like garlic, onions have a strong odor that can deter lizards. Cut an onion into small pieces and place them near lizard-infested areas or outside your doors and windows.

4. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds may not smell great to humans, but they can be effective at repelling lizards. Spread used coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home or in areas where lizards tend to hang out.

5. Naphthalene Balls

Naphthalene balls, also known as mothballs, have a strong odor that lizards find unpleasant. Place them in areas where you’ve seen lizards or around entry points to your home.

It’s important to note that while natural repellents can be effective at keeping lizards away, they may not work for everyone. Additionally, some plants or substances may be toxic to pets or young children, so be sure to do your research and take proper precautions before using any natural repellents.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of Lizards

Trapping Lizards

Trapping Lizards is an effective way to get rid of them from your home. It’s a humane method that doesn’t involve killing the lizards, making it ideal for those who prefer not to use pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

One popular trapping technique involves using glue boards. These are flat, sticky surfaces that trap lizards when they walk across them. Place the glue boards in areas where you’ve seen lizards before, such as near windows or doors. Lizards are attracted to warmth, so placing the glue boards under a heat lamp can also be effective.

Another way to trap lizards is by using bait. This involves placing a food source in a trap and waiting for the lizard to take the bait. Common baits include insects or small pieces of fruit. Once the lizard enters the trap to eat the bait, the door will close, trapping the lizard inside.

It’s important to check the traps regularly and release any trapped lizards outside away from your home. While trapping lizards can be effective, it’s important to address the underlying issue of why they are entering your home in the first place. Sealing off entry points and reducing food sources can help prevent future infestations.

Overall, trapping lizards is a humane and effective method of pest control. By using glue boards or bait, you can safely remove lizards from your home without resorting to harmful chemicals or methods.

Using Pesticides

When it comes to getting rid of lizards, pesticides and insecticides are some of the most commonly used methods. These chemicals work by either repelling or killing lizards on contact. However, it is important to note that pesticides can also be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly.

Before using any pesticide or insecticide, it is crucial to read the label carefully and follow the instructions. It is also recommended to wear protective clothing and gloves to avoid direct contact with the chemical.

There are several types of pesticides and insecticides available in the market, such as sprays, baits, and granules. Sprays are the most popular and easy-to-use option. They come in aerosol cans or pump sprayers and can be used to target specific areas where lizards are often spotted, such as cracks and crevices. Some sprays also contain a residual effect which can prevent future infestations.

Insecticidal baits are another effective way to control lizard populations. These baits contain a slow-acting poison that lizards will consume and then die. Granular insecticides are also an option for outdoor use. They can be spread around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier against lizards.

However, it is important to note that while these chemicals may be effective in killing lizards, they can also harm other beneficial insects and wildlife in your yard. Therefore, it is crucial to use these products responsibly and only when necessary.

Overall, using pesticides and insecticides can be an effective way to get rid of lizards, but they should always be used with caution. It is recommended to try more natural methods first and only resort to chemicals as a last resort.

Hiring a Pest Control Professional

Hiring a Professional Pest Control Service

If you’ve tried various DIY methods to get rid of lizards, but they seem to keep coming back, it’s time to consider hiring a professional pest control service. Here are some reasons why:

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Expertise: Pest control professionals know how to identify the specific type of lizard and their behavior patterns. This expertise allows them to implement effective measures that target the source of the infestation.
Safety: Pest control chemicals can be dangerous when not handled properly. Professionals have the right equipment and training to safely use these products in a way that minimizes risk to humans and pets.
Efficiency: Professional pest control services can resolve the issue within a shorter timeframe than if you were to try and handle it on your own. They also offer follow-up visits to ensure the problem has been resolved.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Service

When searching for a pest control service, consider the following factors:

Experience: Look for a company with years of experience and a positive track record.
Licensing and Certification: Ensure the company is licensed and certified by the relevant authorities.
Reputation: Check reviews from previous customers to gauge their satisfaction levels.
Services Offered: Make sure that the pest control service offers treatments for lizards specifically.

Conclusion

While hiring a professional pest control service may cost more than DIY methods, it is often the most effective and safest option. Remember to do your research to choose a reputable company that will offer the best results.
In conclusion, getting rid of lizards can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and prevention methods, it is possible. Understanding lizard behavior and identifying common species are crucial first steps to take. Prevention techniques such as sealing entry points and reducing food sources will also help keep your home lizard-free. If you do encounter lizards, trapping them or using pesticides can be effective solutions. Lastly, if you find that your lizard infestation persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service for assistance. With these tips and tricks, you can successfully eliminate lizards from your living space and enjoy a comfortable, lizard-free environment.