Lizards, while harmless to humans, can be a nuisance when they make their way into our homes. These reptiles are common in many parts of the world and can be found scurrying across walls and ceilings, often seeking shelter or hunting for insects. If you're tired of unexpected lizard encounters in your living space, implementing effective lizard pest control measures is essential. In this article, we'll share expert lizards prevention tips to help you get rid of lizards and maintain lizard control throughout your home.
Understanding Lizard Behaviour
Before diving into prevention and control measures, it's important to understand why lizards enter homes in the first place. Lizards are typically attracted to warm, humid environments with an abundant food supply. They feed on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, spiders and ants. This means if your home has a pest problem, lizards might follow.
Ideal Lizard Habitats
Lizards thrive in environments where they can easily hide and lay eggs. This includes cluttered spaces, gardens with dense foliage, and areas with a lot of debris. By creating a less inviting habitat for lizards, you can discourage them from settling in or around your home.
Lizard Diseases
Lizards are generally not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, they can carry bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning if ingested. It's important to maintain good hygiene practices, especially if you come into contact with lizards or their droppings. Washing your hands thoroughly after handling lizards or cleaning areas where they have been is recommended to prevent any potential health risks.
Lizard Prevention Tips
Preventing lizards from entering your home is more effective than dealing with an infestation later on. Here are some practical tips to keep lizards at bay.
Seal Entry Points
Lizards can enter through small cracks and crevices in the walls, windows, or doors. Inspect your home thoroughly and seal any openings with caulk or weather stripping to prevent their entry.
Maintain a Clean Environment
A clean home is less inviting to both lizards and the insects they prey on. Regularly sweep and vacuum to remove food crumbs and keep counters free of spills. Ensure your garbage is properly sealed and disposed of regularly. It is also essential to clear any signs of spider webs on corners and less footfall areas at home. Frequent inspections and cleaning of less trafficked areas of your home like storerooms or attics, can help identify any potential lizard hotspots and address them promptly.
Reduce Outdoor Attraction
Trim back any overgrown vegetation near your home and clear away piles of wood or debris. These can provide shelter for lizards and their prey. If you have outdoor lighting, consider switching to yellow bulbs or motion-activated lights, which are less likely to attract insects and, consequently, lizards.
Use Natural Repellents
Certain natural substances are known to repel lizards due to their strong smell. These include garlic, onion, pepper, and essential oils like eucalyptus and lemongrass. Place or spray these around areas where lizards are frequently seen. Placing peacock feathers and egg shells around the house is also another popular DIY method to repel lizards.
Minimise Hiding Spots
Keep your home organised and clutter-free. Lizards are nocturnal and require hiding and harbourage spots during the day. By minimising clutter, you reduce the spaces available for them to hide and lay eggs.
How to Get Rid of Lizards
If lizards have already made their way into your home, there are several methods you can use to remove them safely.
Glue Traps
Glue traps are readily available over-the-shelf. Simply place these traps along routes or areas where lizards are frequently spotted. These traps work by trapping them and preventing lizards from roaming around your property.
Commercial Lizard Repellents
There are various commercial repellents available that are designed to deter lizards. These products often contain natural ingredients that are safe for use around children and pets.
Professional Lizard Pest Control
For a severe lizard problem, it might be necessary to call in professional pest control services. They can identify the extent of the problem and use more advanced techniques and solutions to ensure lizards are removed from your home effectively. Besides resolving your lizard problem and preventing a future recurrence, they are also able to identify any other pest issues that you may have.
When to Seek Professional Help
Signs of a Larger Infestation
If you notice an increasing number of lizards in your home or signs of nesting, it might be time to seek professional help. Other indicators include frequent sightings during the day (as lizards are typically nocturnal) and finding lizard droppings in your home.
Professional Pest Assessment
A professional pest control service can provide a thorough assessment and tailored solutions to effectively tackle your lizard problem. They can also offer long-term prevention strategies to ensure lizards don't return.
Lizard Control FAQ
1. Are lizards harmful to humans?
Lizards are generally harmless to humans. They do not pose a direct threat, but they can carry bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning if ingested. It's important to maintain good hygiene practices, especially if you come into contact with lizards or their droppings.
2. How can I prevent lizards from entering my home?
To prevent lizards from entering your home, you can:
Seal entry points such as cracks and crevices.
Maintain a clean environment to make your home less inviting.
Reduce outdoor attractions like overgrown vegetation.
Use natural repellents like peacock feathers, garlic, onion, pepper, and essential oils.
3. What should I do if I already have lizards in my home?
If lizards have already entered your home, you can:
Utilise glue traps to prevent further lizard activities.
Use commercial lizard repellents that are safe for children and pets.
Consider professional lizard pest control services for severe infestations.
4. Do eggshells repel lizards?
Eggshells are not a proven method to repel lizards. While some people believe that eggshells can deter lizards due to their texture or smell, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Some It's recommended to focus on proven prevention methods such as sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and seeking professional pest control to keep lizards away from your home.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Lizard Control
Lizards play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. However, when they invade our living spaces, taking steps to manage their presence becomes necessary. By understanding lizard behaviour, implementing effective prevention techniques, and knowing when to call in the experts, you can maintain a lizard-free home while still respecting these creatures' place in the natural world.
Remember, the key to successful lizard control is a combination of proactive prevention, timely intervention, and a clean, clutter-free environment. With these tips in hand, you can enjoy a comfortable and lizard-free living space.
Contact a lizard control specialist at Bingo Pest to get rid of lizards in your property. Call us at 6517 9989.
Comments