Lizards are fascinating creatures, often appreciated in nature but far less welcome when they invade our personal spaces. For many people, the presence of a lizard inside their home, especially in their bedroom, can be unsettling. The good news is that most lizards are harmless, and there are many humane and effective ways to remove them without causing harm. In this article, we’ll explore why lizards enter our rooms, the preventive measures you can take, natural repellents that work, and practical, non-lethal methods to remove them. Additionally, we’ll guide you on when to seek professional help if the problem persists. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a solid plan to keep your room lizard-free.
I. Understanding Why Lizards Enter Homes
Before we dive into the methods of getting rid of lizards, it’s essential to understand why they enter our homes in the first place. Knowing the root cause of their presence can help you not only remove the current intruder but also prevent future occurrences.
Common Reasons for Lizards Entering Homes
Lizards typically enter homes in search of two main things: food and warmth. Insects are their primary food source, and if your home has an abundance of flies, ants, or other bugs, it’s practically an invitation for lizards to follow. Lizards are also cold-blooded animals, meaning they regulate their body temperature using external sources of heat. During cooler weather, they may seek shelter indoors to stay warm.
Types of Lizards Typically Found Indoors
The most common lizards found in homes are small, harmless species like geckos and anoles. Geckos are often seen clinging to walls and ceilings due to their sticky toe pads, while anoles are quicker and more likely to dart across the floor. Both of these species are insectivores and pose no harm to humans. They might startle you, but they’re beneficial in keeping the insect population down.
The Harmless Nature of Most Lizards
It’s important to note that most lizards found indoors are completely harmless. They do not bite or attack humans, and their primary goal is to find food and warmth. In fact, they can be helpful by consuming insects like mosquitoes and cockroaches. However, if you’re uncomfortable sharing your space with them, there are effective ways to remove them humanely.
II. Simple Preventive Measures to Avoid Lizards
Prevention is often the best cure, and this is especially true when dealing with lizards. By taking a few simple steps to make your room less attractive to them, you can prevent them from coming inside in the first place.
Keep Your Room Clean and Free of Food Crumbs
Lizards are attracted to areas with a ready supply of insects, so keeping your room clean is crucial. Food crumbs, garbage, and dirty dishes can attract bugs, which in turn attract lizards. Regularly vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and removing food remnants can significantly reduce the risk of lizards entering your room.
Close Windows and Doors Properly
Open windows and doors are easy entry points for lizards. Make sure you keep windows closed, especially during the evening when insects are more active. If you need to keep windows open for ventilation, install screens to block lizards from getting inside.
Seal Cracks and Gaps in Walls, Windows, and Doors
Lizards can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so inspect your room for any cracks or holes in the walls, windows, or around doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points and keep lizards (as well as other pests) out.
Remove Sources of Standing Water
Standing water is another attraction for lizards, as it provides a source of hydration for them and their prey (insects). Be sure to dry up any water spills and fix leaky faucets or pipes in your room to remove potential water sources.
III. Natural Ways to Repel Lizards
If lizards are already in your room or you live in an area where they are common, using natural repellents can help keep them at bay without harming them. These are effective, inexpensive, and safe for both you and the environment.
Use of Natural Repellents (Pepper Spray, Garlic, Eggshells)
Lizards are sensitive to strong smells, and several household ingredients can act as natural deterrents. One popular method is to create a pepper spray by mixing ground black pepper with water and spraying it in areas where lizards frequent. The spicy scent is unpleasant to them and will encourage them to leave.
Another option is to use garlic. The pungent odor of garlic repels lizards. You can either place garlic cloves in different corners of the room or create a garlic spray to mist around entry points.
Additionally, some people claim that scattering eggshells around the house keeps lizards away. The theory is that lizards mistake the shells for predator eggs and steer clear of the area. While the effectiveness of this method is debated, it’s easy and worth a try.
House Plants That Repel Lizards (Peppermint, Eucalyptus)
Certain plants are known to repel lizards. Peppermint and eucalyptus are two such plants that lizards tend to avoid due to their strong aromas. Keeping a few potted peppermint or eucalyptus plants in your room can serve as a natural repellent while also adding greenery to your space.
Essential Oils and Their Effectiveness
Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass can also be effective in deterring lizards. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it around your room, especially near windows, doors, and cracks. The strong scent will discourage lizards from entering.
IV. Non-Lethal Methods to Remove Lizards
If you’ve found a lizard in your room and want to remove it without causing harm, there are several non-lethal ways to do so.
Catching Lizards with Traps (Box Method, Jar Method)
One simple way to catch a lizard is by using the box method. Approach the lizard slowly with an open box or container, and when you’re close enough, carefully place the box over the lizard. Once it’s inside, slide a piece of cardboard under the box to trap the lizard, then carry it outside and release it.
Another effective method is the jar method, where you use a glass jar or container to cover the lizard, and then slide a piece of stiff paper or a magazine underneath to lift it. Once caught, release the lizard in a nearby garden or outside area.
Guiding Lizards Out of the Room with a Broom or Cardboard
If the lizard is near an open door or window, you can simply guide it out using a broom or a piece of cardboard. Approach the lizard slowly, and gently nudge it in the direction of the exit. Be patient, as lizards can be skittish and may dart around before eventually leaving.
Using Cold Air or Dim Lighting to Slow Lizards Down
Lizards are cold-blooded, so exposing them to cold air can slow them down, making it easier to catch them. Turn on the air conditioning or use a fan to cool the room. Dim the lights as well, as lizards are more active in brightly lit environments. Once they’ve slowed down, you can safely catch and release them.
V. Deterring Lizards in the Future
Once you’ve successfully removed the lizard from your room, it’s important to take steps to prevent future encounters.
Install Mesh Screens on Windows and Doors
Installing mesh screens on your windows and doors is one of the most effective ways to keep lizards (and other pests) out. Make sure the screens are tightly fitted and free of holes.
Keep Your Room Dry and Well-Ventilated
Lizards are attracted to damp environments, so keeping your room dry is key to deterring them. Use a dehumidifier if necessary and ensure your room is well-ventilated. Dry rooms are less attractive to lizards and the insects they feed on.
Maintain Regular Pest Control to Minimize Lizard Food Sources
Since lizards primarily enter homes in search of food, reducing the insect population will make your room less inviting. Regular pest control, whether through professional services or DIY methods, can help keep your home free of bugs, which in turn discourages lizards from entering.
VI. When to Call a Professional
While most lizard problems can be handled using the methods discussed above, there are situations where professional help may be necessary.
Situations Where DIY Methods May Not Work
If you have a severe lizard infestation or if lizards keep returning despite your best efforts, it may be time to call a pest control expert. Additionally, if the lizards are damaging your home or seem to be nesting inside, professional intervention is warranted.
Dealing with Lizard Infestations
In rare cases, a home may become overrun with lizards, especially in tropical or subtropical areas. In such situations, a professional pest control service can safely remove the lizards and take measures to prevent their return.
VII.
While lizards are generally harmless and even beneficial to the ecosystem, most people prefer not to have them in their bedrooms. By understanding why lizards enter homes, taking preventive steps, using natural repellents, and employing humane removal methods, you can ensure your room remains lizard-free. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The key is to address the root cause, maintain cleanliness, and make your room an unwelcome environment for these little reptiles—without resorting to harmful methods.