Say Goodbye to Unwanted Lizards: Easy & Natural Ways to Keep Them Out of Your Home

No one likes an unexpected visitor scaling their kitchen wall or popping out from behind a curtain—and we’re not talking about guests. Lizards, though generally harmless, tend to trigger a mix of disgust, fear, and discomfort for many people. Their sudden appearance on walls or near light fixtures can be unsettling, and for households with kids or guests, even downright embarrassing.

While lizards play a role in keeping insect populations under control, most of us would prefer they do that job somewhere outside. If you’ve noticed more of them showing up, especially during the warmer months, you’re not alone. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals or calling pest control right away, there are some surprisingly effective, natural methods to drive them out—and keep them out.

Let’s look at the most reliable home remedies and practical habits that help create an environment lizards won’t want to stick around in.

1. Repel Them with Onion and Garlic

Lizards are highly sensitive to strong odors, and both onion and garlic top their list of things to avoid. You can slice these up and leave them in areas where lizards are commonly spotted—like behind cabinets, near windows, or in corners. Alternatively, making a paste and applying it in trouble spots can amplify the effect. The smell lingers long enough to make these spaces unattractive for lizards.

2. Create a DIY Chili Spray

Spicy ingredients don’t just fire up food—they also make excellent pest deterrents. Mix some chili powder with water in a spray bottle and spray the solution near doorways, windowsills, or areas where lizards frequently appear. The strong, irritating nature of chili makes it hard for them to stay in those areas. Just be careful not to use it where kids or pets might accidentally come into contact with it.

3. Place Dry Eggshells Where Lizards Lurk

This one may surprise you, but it’s been a tried-and-true method in many homes. Lizards associate the smell of eggshells with predators and tend to avoid them. Rinse and dry your used eggshells, then place them in common entry points like windows, kitchen corners, or near the stove. They act as a subtle but effective deterrent.

4. Spray with Neem Water

Neem (Indian lilac) has long been used in natural pest control due to its bitter smell and antibacterial properties. Boil neem leaves in water, strain it, and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Use it on walls, around switchboards, or near ceilings where lizards tend to roam. This is especially useful in bathrooms and kitchens.

5. Keep It Clean: Lizards Love Messy Spaces

Lizards are drawn to insects, moisture, and leftover food—all signs of an unclean environment. Making your home less inviting to them starts with consistent cleaning and clutter control.

Here’s what helps:

• Always cover food and clean up spills immediately.
• Don’t let water stand in sinks, buckets, or corners of the bathroom.
• Keep lights bright—darker spaces attract both insects and lizards.
• Fix small holes or gaps where they might sneak in.
• Use mesh on windows and vents to block entry.
• Run fans frequently, especially in unused rooms; lizards don’t like moving air.

6. Use Naphthalene Balls in Strategic Spots

You’ve probably used naphthalene balls in closets before, but did you know they also keep lizards away? Place a few under sinks, inside cabinets, or in storage corners where lizards might hide. The strong chemical odor acts as a repellent.

7. Apply Garlic and Onion Paste

Another variation of the earlier method—blending garlic and onion into a paste and applying it to wall corners, behind appliances, and near potential entry points works very well. The strong smell persists longer in paste form and works more effectively in sealed spaces.

• Some Final Reminders to Keep Lizards at Bay

Clean the kitchen and dining area every night before bed.

Remove leftover food, crumbs, or spills immediately.

Keep the bathroom dry and ventilated.

Use nets or mesh on windows and exhausts to block entry.

Keep lights bright and fans on to disturb lizards’ comfort zone.

If you’re still overwhelmed despite trying these methods, consider calling a professional pest control service.