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Lizards are unwelcome guests that can quickly become a nuisance in Indian homes. While they aren’t physically poisonous, they can compromise household hygiene and cause distress to family members.
Understanding why these reptiles enter your home is the first step in effective prevention.
Lizards enter homes for many reasons, mostly for food and shelter. Leftover food and exposed food items can draw them in, as they provide an easy food source. Warm temperatures indoors can also make homes an ideal place for them to enter. Small openings such as ceiling cracks, windows, and ventilation systems serve as entry points, allowing lizards to sneak in. Cluttered or unclean storage spaces further provide hiding spots, making them feel secure.
One of the most effective home remedies is pepper spray. Create a mixture of water and black pepper, red chili powder, or hot sauce. Spray this in areas where lizards frequently appear. The strong irritant will cause lizards to avoid these spaces.
Surprisingly, lizards cannot tolerate the smell of eggs. Collect and clean eggshells, then place them near doors and windows. Remember to remove the shells daily to maintain hygiene.
Mix coffee with tobacco powder to create another potent lizard deterrent. The strong smell helps keep these reptiles at bay.
Place a few garlic cloves in potential entry points. Lizards strongly dislike their pungent aroma.
Peppermint plant, is an effective natural repellent for lizards due to its strong scent, which they find unbearable. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil and requires regular watering while being protected from direct sunlight. For an even stronger effect, peppermint oil spray can also be used to prevent lizards from entering your home, according to Ugaoo.
It adds that the eucalyptus (Nilgiri) plant, is also a natural lizard repellent. The oil glands in its leaves release a distinct aroma that keeps lizards away. This plant grows best in soil with low phosphorus content, requires ample sunlight, and should be watered regularly.
3. Temperature control
Lizards thrive in warm environments. Lower your room temperature to 22°C or below using air conditioning. Since lizards cannot regulate their body temperature, they will be discouraged from staying.
To keep lizards away from your home, start by sealing any ceiling cracks, windows, or other small openings they might use to enter. Keeping your home clean is essential, as cluttered and unkempt spaces provide hiding spots for them. Store food properly, preferably in refrigerators or sealed containers, to eliminate potential food sources.