How to Get Rid of House Lizards Without Killing Them

How to Get Rid of House Lizards Without Killing Them

House lizards, such as geckos, are common in warm climates and often find their way indoors in search of food and shelter. While they’re harmless and can even help control insects, many people prefer not to have them inside their homes. Fortunately, there are humane ways to get rid of house lizards without harming them. Here’s how you can gently encourage these reptiles to leave your home.

Remove Food Sources

Lizards enter homes primarily to hunt for food, particularly insects like flies, ants, and mosquitoes. By eliminating the pests that attract lizards, you’ll make your home less appealing to them. Ensure that all food is stored in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and use natural pest control methods to reduce the number of insects indoors. Reducing their food supply is an effective way to convince lizards to find food elsewhere.

Keep the House Clean and Clutter-Free

Lizards love hiding in dark, secluded spots. Clutter, piles of clothes, and unorganized spaces give lizards plenty of places to hide. Keeping your home clean and clutter-free can make it less hospitable to these reptiles. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and tidying up corners or spaces behind furniture can reduce the chances of lizards making themselves comfortable in your home.

Seal Entry Points

Lizards often get into homes through small cracks, gaps, and open windows or doors. Inspect your home for any possible entry points, especially around windows, doors, and vents. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping will not only help keep lizards out but will also prevent other pests from getting inside. Installing fine mesh screens on windows and vents is another effective way to block lizards while still allowing airflow.

Use Natural Repellents

There are several natural repellents that can help deter lizards without harming them. Lizards are sensitive to certain smells, including garlic, onions, and pepper. You can create a homemade lizard repellent by mixing water with garlic or onion juice and spraying it around entry points, windows, and areas where lizards tend to hide. Alternatively, placing peels of citrus fruits, such as lemons or oranges, in key areas can also keep lizards away, as they dislike the smell of citrus.

Live and Let Liz

To get rid of house lizards without hurting or killing them, there are plenty of non-harmful methods. By removing their food sources, keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and using natural repellents, you can humanely encourage lizards to leave and prevent them from returning. These methods will help you maintain a lizard-free home without causing harm to these helpful reptiles.