How to Get Rid of Lizards from Your House

Rearrange furniture to expose hiding spots. Trying to chase lizards while they still have places to hide won't be effective. If you spot a lizard in a room, clear out the furniture so they can't hide until you give up on chasing them. Move sofas away from walls, benches, and other seating, as well as anything that could provide shelter for lizards.

• Lizards enjoy climbing walls and hiding under furniture. If shelves are cluttered, tidy them up to prevent lizards from darting away and hiding among the items.

Block all escape routes in the house. Close all interior doors and stuff towels into gaps—lizards are highly flexible and can slip through door cracks. Only leave doors and windows leading to the garden or outside open; otherwise, you’ll waste time chasing them around the house.

Ask for assistance. Lizards are small, agile creatures that can be guided before being chased away. With someone helping to steer them in a specific direction, it’s easier to direct the lizard to where you want it to go rather than running back and forth.

• Move toward the lizard in the direction of the exit. Have a friend block any paths the lizard might try to escape through.
• Continue approaching the lizard and block its attempts to hide. Guide it closer to the exit until it voluntarily leaves your home.

Use a newspaper to guide the lizard away. When dealing with a stubborn lizard, gently nudge it with a newspaper. Lightly tap the lizard toward the exit, aiming the newspaper to prevent it from running in the wrong direction. Avoid hitting the lizard; instead, carefully ensure no harm comes to it.

• Some believe lizards are afraid of peacock feathers. If available, you can use a peacock feather to gently sweep the lizard away without harming it!

Use water if necessary. Some people find that spraying cold water from a bottle can instantly drive lizards away. Fill a bottle with ice and water, then lightly spray the lizard. This will prompt it to leave its spot immediately.

Catch the lizard if possible. If the lizard is moving slowly, you can trap and release it outside instead of chasing it around the house. Prepare a jar large enough to contain the lizard and a piece of cardboard. Trap the lizard in the jar and slide the cardboard under the jar’s opening until it climbs onto the cardboard. Lift the jar, take it outside, and release the lizard.

Chase lizards away at night. Some lizards are active during nighttime, making it the ideal time to drive them out. If you often spot lizards in the evening, consider removing them at night instead of waiting until daylight.

Recognize the benefits of lizards. While you might find their presence bothersome, many people welcome lizards. They help humans by feeding on annoying insects like flies, mosquitoes, and crickets, which can make life more difficult. Additionally, lizards in the house are often considered a sign of good luck. If you can coexist with these small creatures, allow them to roam your home for a while.

Keep your home clean. Lizards are drawn to places with food sources, which, for them, are insects. If your home has many insects, lizards will gather there. Regularly clean your house to eliminate insects. Sweep and mop frequently, and avoid leaving dirty dishes and utensils piled up.

Dispose of leftover food. Similarly, leftover food in the house can attract insects, which in turn draw lizards. Clean up food scraps and wipe surfaces to ensure no crumbs are left behind.

Expose problematic areas. Take note of where lizards appear in your home, such as specific rooms, corners, or under furniture. Rearranging and cleaning these areas can make them less appealing to lizards.

Get a cat. Cats enjoy hunting lizards just as much as they do mice. Having one around can help control the lizard population in your home.

Seal your home. Lizards can sneak in through gaps under doors and around windows. Seal these entry points to prevent them from entering.

• Use sturdy fabric to block holes and keep lizards out.
• Apply weather stripping to doors to deter lizards.
• Install window screens and ensure they fit tightly.

• Be cautious when approaching lizards. Sudden movements may cause them to hide.
• Lizards are often active at night and may make squeaking sounds.
• Geckos are nocturnal and climb walls and windows to hunt insects attracted to indoor or porch lights.
• DO NOT use poison to eliminate lizards—very few pose any danger. They are friends, not foes, to humans.
• Gray lizards benefit your garden. They feed on small cockroaches and other pests that harm plants. They may even eat small scorpions.
• Lizards eat insects. Their presence in your home is beneficial.
• If your home has many ants, place sugar near the nearest exit. The ants will follow, and lizards will too! Gradually spread the sugar outside…the lizards will follow, and your home will soon be lizard-free!

• If you grab a lizard by its tail, the tail may break off.