Seeing lizards crawling on walls or ceilings is something many people find uncomfortable. While lizards are generally harmless and even eat insects like mosquitoes and flies, most homeowners still prefer to keep them out of their living spaces.
If you are searching for how to remove lizard from home, you’re likely looking for safe, natural, and easy methods to get rid of them without harming your household environment.
The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive pest control services. With a few simple home remedies and preventive habits, you can significantly reduce or completely stop lizard activity inside your home.
Why Lizards Enter Homes
Before learning how to remove lizard from home, it helps to understand why they come inside in the first place.
Common reasons include:
- Availability of insects (their food source)
- Warm and humid indoor spaces
- Lights that attract insects at night
- Open windows and cracks in walls
- Cluttered or less-clean areas
If your home has more insects, lizards are more likely to follow them.
Keep Your Home Clean and Free of Insects
The most important step in controlling lizards is controlling their food source.
To do this:
- Clean kitchen surfaces daily
- Dispose of food waste properly
- Avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight
- Keep dustbins covered
- Use natural insect control methods
When insects reduce, lizards naturally stop coming inside.
This is the foundation of how to remove lizard from home effectively.
Use Eggshells as a Natural Repellent
One of the most popular home remedies involves eggshells.
Lizards are believed to dislike the smell and presence of eggshells.
How to use:
- Place empty eggshells in corners of rooms
- Keep them near windows or entry points
- Replace them every few days
While simple, many people find this method surprisingly helpful as a deterrent.
Garlic and Onion Method
Strong smells are often effective in keeping lizards away.
Garlic and onion are commonly used because their strong odor repels lizards.
How to use:
- Cut garlic cloves and place them in corners
- Place sliced onions in areas where lizards are seen
- You can also make a spray by mixing garlic juice with water
The strong smell makes the area less comfortable for them.
Pepper Spray Solution
Pepper is another strong natural repellent.
To make a simple spray:
- Mix black pepper powder with water
- Add a few drops of dish soap
- Spray in corners, behind furniture, and near windows
This method helps discourage lizards from staying in treated areas.
Coffee Powder and Tobacco (Use Carefully)
A traditional remedy involves using coffee powder mixed with tobacco.
How it works:
- Strong smell repels lizards
- It is placed in small balls near hiding areas
However, this should be used carefully and kept away from children and pets due to toxicity concerns.
Use Naphthalene Balls
Naphthalene balls are commonly used in wardrobes and storage spaces.
They help repel lizards due to their strong chemical smell.
How to use:
- Place in corners of rooms
- Keep in closed storage areas
- Replace when smell reduces
Use them in moderation and avoid direct contact with food areas.
Reduce Night Lighting That Attracts Insects
Lizards follow insects, and insects are often attracted to light.
To reduce lizards:
- Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night
- Use yellow or warm lights instead of bright white lights
- Close curtains in the evening
Less insects mean fewer lizards.
Seal Entry Points and Cracks
Lizards enter through small gaps without difficulty.
To prevent entry:
- Seal cracks in walls
- Fix gaps around windows and doors
- Use mesh screens on windows
- Close openings near pipes
Blocking entry points is a long-term solution for how to remove lizard from home.
Use Natural Oils to Repel Lizards
Essential oils are a gentle and effective way to keep lizards away without harming them. Strong scents interfere with their comfort and movement, making your home less appealing.
Some effective oils include:
- Peppermint oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Citronella oil
- Neem oil
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of essential oil in water
- Pour into a spray bottle
- Spray in corners, behind furniture, near windows, and ceilings
Repeat every few days for better results.
This is one of the most modern yet safe approaches in how to remove lizard from home.
Use Cold Air or Air Conditioning
Lizards prefer warm environments. Reducing indoor temperature can discourage them from staying.
You can:
- Use fans regularly
- Keep rooms well-ventilated
- Use air conditioning in peak heat
- Avoid trapping heat in closed rooms
A cooler environment naturally becomes less attractive for lizards.
Keep Kitchen and Bathroom Dry
Lizards are often found in kitchens and bathrooms because these areas provide food (insects) and moisture.
To control them:
- Fix leaking taps and pipes
- Wipe kitchen counters after use
- Keep sinks dry at night
- Clean food crumbs immediately
- Avoid stagnant water in bathrooms
Dry and clean surfaces reduce insect activity, which indirectly reduces lizards.
Use Camphor for Repelling Lizards
Camphor has a strong smell that lizards tend to avoid.
How to use:
- Place camphor tablets in corners
- Burn camphor safely in open areas
- Replace regularly for continued effect
It also helps freshen the air while acting as a natural repellent.
Keep Your Walls and Ceilings Clean
Lizards often stick to dusty or less-clean surfaces where insects are present.
Regular cleaning helps:
- Remove insect traces
- Reduce hiding spots
- Make surfaces less attractive
Focus on:
- Behind furniture
- Corners of ceilings
- Cupboards and shelves
A clean home is less likely to attract lizards.
Introduce Natural Predators (Indirect Control)
In nature, lizards are part of the food chain. While it is not practical or recommended to introduce predators indoors, you can indirectly reduce their presence by controlling insects and keeping the environment balanced.
For example:
- Reduce flies and mosquitoes using nets or repellents
- Keep lights insect-free
- Maintain hygiene consistently
When food sources disappear, lizards naturally leave.
Prevent Clutter and Hiding Spots
Lizards love hiding in dark, cluttered areas.
To prevent this:
- Avoid stacking unnecessary boxes
- Keep storage areas organized
- Clean behind cupboards regularly
- Remove unused items from corners
Less clutter means fewer hiding places.
Myths About Lizards in Homes
There are many myths surrounding lizards. Let’s clarify a few while discussing how to remove lizard from home.
Myth 1: Lizards are dangerous and poisonous
Truth: Most common house lizards are harmless and non-poisonous.
Myth 2: Killing lizards is the only solution
Truth: Natural repellents and cleaning are far more effective and humane.
Myth 3: Lizards come due to bad luck
Truth: They come because of insects, heat, and shelter—not superstition.
Understanding facts helps reduce fear and focus on practical solutions.
Daily Routine to Keep Lizards Away
A consistent routine can significantly reduce lizard presence.
Morning:
- Open windows and clean surfaces
- Remove food crumbs
Afternoon:
- Keep kitchen dry and clean
- Dispose of waste properly
Evening:
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- Spray natural repellents if needed
Night:
- Cover food items
- Keep rooms clutter-free
- Close windows or use mesh screens
Consistency is key for long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are lizards harmful to humans?
No, common house lizards are not harmful. They do not attack humans and usually avoid contact.
2. What is the fastest way to remove lizards from home?
Using peppermint spray, sealing entry points, and reducing insects are among the fastest methods.
3. Do naphthalene balls really work on lizards?
Yes, strong-smelling naphthalene balls can repel them, but should be used carefully.
4. Why do lizards suddenly increase in number?
Usually due to increased insects, heat, or open entry points in the home.
Conclusion
Learning how to remove lizard from home is less about killing them and more about making your home unattractive to them. Since lizards follow insects and warmth, controlling cleanliness, sealing entry points, and using natural repellents can effectively keep them away.
Simple habits like reducing clutter, maintaining hygiene, and using natural remedies such as peppermint oil or garlic can make a big difference over time.
A clean, dry, and well-maintained home is the most powerful and natural solution to keeping lizards out permanently.