Plants That Repel Lizards: How They Work and What to Plant

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Lizards can be a common sight in many homes, but not everyone is comfortable around these creatures. Some people even consider them as pests that need to be eradicated. However, using chemical-based repellents may not be the best solution, especially if you have pets or small children around. Natural lizard repellents such as plants can be a great solution, and in this guide, we'll discuss how they work and what are some of the best plants to use.

Why should you use natural repellents against lizards?

If you live in an area where lizards are common, you may have noticed that they tend to hide in cool and shaded areas. If you're lucky, they won't bother you, but there's always a chance that they could find their way inside your home, which could be alarming or even dangerous for someone who is not comfortable around them.

While chemical repellents can be effective, they can also pose a risk to your pets, young children, or other members living in your home. Natural repellents such as plants, on the other hand, offer a safe and eco-friendly way of keeping lizards at bay without exposing your loved ones to any harmful chemicals.

How do plants repel lizards?

Most plants produce natural compounds that are toxic, irritating, or unpleasant to lizards, making them detest that particular area. Some plants may deter lizards by producing strong odors, while others repel them by creating unfavorable living conditions.

For instance, many types of aromatic herbs, such as basil, mint, and rosemary, produce a strong scent that repels lizards. Other plants such as citronella or lemongrass emit strong smells that are unpleasant to lizards and other insects.

What are the best plants to use as lizard repellents?

Here are some of the most effective plants to use as natural lizard repellents:

• Basil: This aromatic herb produces an aroma that is intolerable to lizards, making it a great plant to use around your home.
• Lavender: Not only does this plant have a pleasant smell, but it also produces strong aromas that keep lizards and other pests away.
• Mint: If you're looking for a plant that's easy to maintain and repels lizards effectively, mint is a great choice. It has a strong scent that lizards find overwhelming.
• Marigolds: These bright-colored flowers are not only pleasing to the eye, but they also produce a strong odor that lizards find irritating.
• Garlic: Garlic is an excellent plant to deter lizards due to its strong odor.
• Rosemary: Besides being a great seasoning in the kitchen, rosemary also produces an intense odor that keeps lizards at bay.

Natural Lizard Repellents

Natural lizard repellents are an eco-friendly and safer alternative to chemical-based repellents. There are two types of natural lizard repellents that we'll cover in this section: Chemical and Electronic.

Chemical repellents

Chemical lizard repellents come in the form of sprays or granules, which work by emitting odors that are unpleasant to lizards. These types of repellents usually contain natural ingredients such as citronella oil or garlic oil, which can be effective in deterring lizards.

However, if there are pets or young children in your home, chemical repellents may pose a risk if ingested, so it's essential to keep them out of reach.

Electronic repellents

Electronic lizard repellents produce high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but irritating to lizards. These devices emit ultrasonic waves that deter lizards from coming near the area where they're installed.

Using Plants as Lizard Repellents

Using plants as natural lizard repellents is a great way to keep these creatures out of your home because they're eco-friendly, safe, and can also add visual appeal to your surroundings.

How it works

Plants work as natural lizard repellents by producing odors or creating unfavorable living conditions for these creatures. Some plants produce compounds that are toxic to lizards, making them uncomfortable in that particular area.

Types of plants that repel lizards

There are several types of plants that can be used as natural lizard repellents. We've discussed some of the most effective ones below:

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera produces a bitter taste, which lizards find unpleasant. Growing this plant near windows or doors can help keep lizards away.
• Citronella: This grass produces an oil that's commonly found in insect repellents. Not only is it effective against insects, but it's equally useful in deterring lizards.
• Peppermint: Peppermint contains a strong scent that lizards find overwhelming, which makes it a great choice to use around your home.
• Spider Plant: Spider plants produce chemical compounds that are highly toxic to lizards, making them a great choice to use indoors.
• Banyan Tree: The banyan tree produces aerial roots that create an obstacle for lizards, preventing them from climbing up.

How to use plants as lizard repellents

Here are some tips on how to use plants effectively as natural lizard repellents:

• Determine the areas where lizards are most likely to enter your home and grow your plants there.
• Use a combination of different plants to create a more effective barrier against lizards.
• Water and prune your plants regularly to keep them healthy.
• Replace old or dying plants with new ones regularly.

Planting Tips

Now that we've discussed the best plants to use as natural lizard repellents, let's discuss some planting tips that can ensure maximum effectiveness.

Best planting locations

Lizards usually enter homes through cracks or openings near doors and windows. Therefore, it's best to grow your plants in these areas to create a barrier against lizards.

Companion planting

One of the most effective ways of using plants as natural lizard repellents is through companion planting. Companion planting involves growing different types of plants together that complement each other and provide benefits such as deterring pests, improving soil quality, and increasing yields. Some of the best companion plants for lizard control are mint, basil, and lavender.

Maintenance tips

Maintaining your plants is crucial to their effectiveness as lizard repellents. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:

• Water your plants regularly to keep them healthy.
• Keep your plants clean by removing any debris or dead leaves.
• Prune your plants regularly to prevent overgrowth.
• Use compost or organic fertilizers to keep your plants healthy.

In natural lizard repellents are an eco-friendly and safer alternative to chemical-based repellents. Plants such as basil, lavender, mint, marigolds, garlic, and rosemary are just a few examples of plants that can repel lizards effectively. There are also electronic and chemical repellents available, but they may not be ideal if you have pets or young children at home.

When using plants as natural lizard repellents, it's essential to choose the right plants, grow them in the right location, and maintain them properly. By doing so, you can enjoy a pest-free environment without compromising the safety of your loved ones.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about using plants to repel lizards:

What are some common plants that repel lizards?

Some common plants that repel lizards are basil, lavender, mint, marigolds, garlic, and rosemary.

Do essential oils like peppermint or lavender repel lizards?

Yes, essential oils such as peppermint and lavender produce strong scents that are irritating to lizards.

Can I use these plants inside my home or only in outdoor areas?

You can use these plants both indoors and outdoors. However, if you have pets or young children, it's best to keep them out of reach of the plants.

Is it safe for my pets if I use these plants around my home?

While most plants used as natural lizard repellents are safe for pets, it's best to check with your veterinarian before using them indoors.

How fast do these plants work as lizard repellents?

The effectiveness of plants as lizard repellents may vary depending on several factors such as the type of plant, size of the area, and the number of plants used. In most cases, you should notice a significant difference within a few days to a week.

Can these plants be used as mosquito repellents too?

Yes, certain plants such as citronella and lemongrass are also effective against mosquitoes.

How can I identify and prevent a lizard infestation?

Identifying a lizard infestation is relatively easy, as you'll typically see lizards running around your home or in open areas. To prevent infestations, make sure all cracks and openings around doors, windows, and walls are sealed.

Do these plants require any special care or maintenance?

Most plants used as natural lizard repellents do not require any special care or maintenance, other than regular watering and pruning.

Can I use dried or artificial versions of these plants as deterrents?

Dried or artificial versions of these plants may not be as effective in repelling lizards, as they do not produce the same natural compounds necessary to deter them.

Are there any plants that may attract lizards instead of repelling them?

Certain plants such as fruit trees or flowering plants may attract insects, which could, in turn, attract lizards. However, this is not always the case, and most plants used as natural lizard repellents do not attract these pests.