The “tsk tsk” click that rings throughout the night, the broken tail that violently springs around, the translucent and ice-cold skin that sends shivers down your spine. We’re talking about the house lizard aka cicak, a common pest that plagues most Malaysian homes.
While they’re generally harmless and practically cowards, they leave germ-laden poop everywhere. And of course, they just love to surprise us by making unwelcomed appearances. The bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen, the car… the list goes on.
Thus, in our constant battle against these creepy crawlies, here’s how to get rid of lizards with practical and effective methods.
How To Get Rid Of Lizards At Home In 8 Simple Strategies
Eggshells
Our elders vouch for this method because it really works. Lizards despise the smell of eggs and will avoid places that reek of it. So next time you use an egg, don’t throw away the shell. Give it a clean wipe with a kitchen towel and leave it close to where lizards commonly appear, whether that’s by the curtains or food containers.
There’s a caveat to this method, though. The egg smell wears off after a few weeks, so make sure you have fresh shells at hand.
Garlic And Onions
Here’s how to get rid of lizards using an everyday cooking ingredient: the mighty garlic. Peel and cut a clove of garlic and place it where you don’t want the reptile to appear. Alternatively, you can use onions as well.
This method is best for small crevices and tight spaces around the house where lizards tend to inhibit, specifically in the kitchen and dining areas. For instance, they love to camp behind large appliances and furniture.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a common ingredient in Asian cooking and medicine. Filled with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the herb can elevate any dish with its smoky aroma and ample health benefits. But the humble lemongrass can do so much more than making things smell and taste good. It’s pretty effective at warding off lizards too!
Here’s how to get rid of lizards with lemongrass. There are a few ways to go about this. You can use tea leaves, essential oils, or lemongrass as it is. Then, simply place the substance in a small bowl to where lizards would normally congregate. Replace the bowl every couple of days for better results.
Homemade Pepper Spray
We Malaysians love a touch of spiciness in our dishes with Tabasco sauces or chilli flakes. But lizards, the weaklings that they are, can’t stand the heat one bit.
To ensure they never return, create a devilish solution by mixing hot sauces and peppers together, then diluting with a bit of water. Finally, liberally spray the solution at lizard-prone spots.
Coffee Powder
Although the lingering aroma of coffee wakes up our senses, lizards don’t take the smell too kindly. Just a whiff is enough to have them storming for the closest exit. So, if you have some spare coffee grounds or beans lying around, here’s how to get rid of lizards with a cup of Joe.
You can scatter the beans or grounds near the walls or vents. Consider your potted plants too because lizards have the tendency to nibble on leaves, leaving unsightly rips and holes in them.
Naphthalene Balls
Also known as mothballs, these pearl-white orbs are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, two strong chemicals that dissolve over time into fumes. The smell is distinctive and effective in chasing off insects like cockroaches and ants. In this case, lizards as well.
That said, if you have children or pets at home, ensure you keep them away from the mothballs. Accidentally ingesting them can result in nausea and dizziness, so please be careful!
Lizard Repellent
When all else fails, here’s how to get rid of lizards with a tried and tested approach: a pest-control aerosol spray. Because this Ridsect lizard repellent coats surfaces to prevent lizards from clinging on wall surfaces, we recommend spraying it at entry and exit points of your home as well as the areas near ceiling lights.
This repellent only deters lizards and doesn’t kill them, so don’t go all guns blazing if you see one.
Lizard Trap
Lizards are experts at hiding and it can be hard to lure them out, especially if they sense a threat (note: you) around. To counter this, try using a lizard trap. Place the pre-packed bait inside the trap and leave it at areas where you normally find lizards.
Give it a few days, and you should find one or a few surprises in the trapping box. Not exactly a pleasant sight to see, but it gets the job done!
Knowing How To Get Rid Of Lizards Will Ensure A Pest-Free Home
For many of us, just the mere sight and sound of a house lizard is enough to freak us out. What more if it suddenly appears when you’re showering or next to you when you’re about to sleep? Ugh, disgusting. Hopefully, you now know how to get rid of lizards after reading this article. Try them out and let us know in the comments if they work!
Nonetheless, a tidy and clean kitchen ensures you don’t attract pests like lizards and cockroaches. Here are some practical storage tips so your kitchen can be in tip-top shape and free of unwanted guests.
