If you’ve noticed a few too many scaly visitors in your garden, you might be looking for a safe and natural solution. Using lizard repellent plants is a fantastic way to create a beautiful garden that also gently encourages lizards to move along. These plants work by using scents or textures that lizards find unpleasant, offering you a chemical-free method to protect your space.
This approach is about harmony, not harm. Lizards eat many pests, so we don’t want to hurt them. Instead, we can make our gardens less inviting to them, especially near entry points to our homes.
Lizard Repellent Plants
The idea is simple: certain plants produce strong smells or have physical traits that lizards tend to avoid. By placing these plants strategically, you create a natural barrier. It’s a method that’s been used for generations in many parts of the world.
Here are some of the most effective plants known to help with this:
* Lemongrass: This tall, grassy plant is a powerhouse. Its strong citrus scent, which we find refreshing, is overwhelming for lizards. It’s also a great mosquito repellent.
* Mint (Peppermint & Spearmint): Mint spreads quickly and its potent aroma is a known lizard deterrent. Be careful planting it directly in beds, as it can be invasive. Using it in pots is often smarter.
* Eucalyptus: The sharp, medicinal smell of eucalyptus oil is very effective. You can plant the tree if you have space, or use cuttings and dried leaves near problem areas.
* Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli): This succulent has a unique defense. Its sap is milky and irritating, which deters lizards and other animals from brushing against it. Handle with care yourself, as the sap can skin irritation.
* Garlic and Onions: Planting these in your vegetable or flower beds does double duty. Lizards don’t like the pungent smell they release from their bulbs and leaves.
* Marigolds: These cheerful flowers are garden heroes. Their distinct smell repels lizards, and they also nematodes and whiteflies, protecting your other plants.
* Oregano: This hardy herb spreads a strong fragrance, especially when brushed against or warmed by the sun. It’s perfect for sunny, well-drained spots.
How to Use These Plants in Your Garden
Just planting them anywhere won’t give you the best results. You need a plan. Think like a lizard and block the paths they use most.
Identify Lizard Hotspots
First, spend a day or two observing. Notice where you see lizards most often. Common areas include:
* Warm walls and fences where they sun themselves.
* Around doorways and window frames.
* Near outdoor lights (which attract insects, their food).
* In dense, low ground cover or piles of debris.
Create Strategic Plant Barriers
Use your plants to form a living fence. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Focus on Perimeter Defense: Plant strong-smelling herbs like lemongrass, mint, or oregano along the border of your garden or patio. This creates a first line of defense.
2. Guard Entry Points: Place potted plants like marigolds or eucalyptus near your home’s doors, windows, and garage entry. This helps stop them from coming inside.
3. Break Up Their Highways: Lizards often travel along walls. Install window boxes or place pots of mint or oregano on ledges and along these routes.
4. Use Texture to Your Advantage: Plants with prickly leaves, like certain rosemary varieties, can be planted under windows to create an uncomfortable landing spot.
Boosting Your Plant’s Repellent Power
Sometimes, plants alone need a little help. You can amplify their natural effects with a few extra tricks.
One easy method is to make a spray using the plants you’re already growing. Here’s how:
1. Chop up a handful of mint, lemongrass, or eucalyptus leaves.
2. Steep them in hot water for several hours, just like making a strong tea.
3. Let the mixture cool completely, then strain it into a spray bottle.
4. Add a teaspoon of vinegar or a few drops of citrus oil to help it last longer.
5. Spray this mixture around windowsills, door frames, and other entry points. Reapply after rain or every few days.
You can also use dried herbs. Crush dried rosemary, oregano, or cloves and sprinkle the powder in corners of your patio or porch. The scent will be released when walked on.
What to Avoid in Your Garden
While adding repellent plants, it’s just as important to remove attractions. Lizards come looking for two main things: food and shelter.
* Reduce Insect Populations: Since lizards eat bugs, too many insects will draw them in. Use your marigolds and other pest-repelling plants. Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
* Declutter: Clear away piles of wood, stones, or unused pots. These provide perfect hiding spots and breeding grounds.
* Manage Water Sources: Fix leaky taps and ensure drainage is good. A dripping faucet can be a big attractant, especially in dry weather.
A Balanced Garden Ecosystem
Remember, most garden lizards are beneficial. They consume huge amounts of slugs, crickets, and other pests. The goal isn’t to eradicate them completely from your yard, but to gently steer them away from your home and specific areas.
Using lizard repellent plants is a sustainable choice. It protects your family and pets from harsh chemicals while maintaining a healthy, living garden. It might take a little time for the plants to establish and for the lizards to get the message, so be patient. Consistency is key.
With this strategy, you’re working with nature, not against it. You’ll end up with a fragrant, vibrant garden that feels more comfortable for you and less inviting for lizard visitors.
FAQ About Natural Lizard Repellents
Q: Do lizard repellent plants really work?
A: Yes, they can be very effective when used correctly. They work by creating sensory barriers (smell, texture) that lizards naturally avoid. They are a long-term, maintenance solution rather than a instant fix.
Q: Are these plants safe for my pets and children?
A: Most are common herbs and flowers that are perfectly safe. However, always research specific plants. For example, the Pencil Tree’s sap can be irritating, so it’s best placed out of reach.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: It can take a few weeks. The plants need to grow and establish their scent. For quicker results, combine planted areas with sprays made from the same plants.
Q: Will these methods harm the lizards?
A: No. These natural methods are designed to repel and deter, not to harm. They make the environment less appealing so lizards choose to live elsewhere.
Q: What is the best plant to keep lizards away?
A: Lemongrass and mint are often considered the most reliable due to their strong, persistent scents that lizards dislike and are easy for most gardeners to grow.
Q: Can I just use essential oils instead of plants?
A: Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella can be used in sprays. However, live plants provide a constant, renewable source of repellent and improve your garden’s overall health. They are a more sustainable option in the long run.