How To Get Rid Of Lizards In Yard

If you’re wondering how to get rid of lizards in yard, you’re not alone. Many gardeners find these little reptiles unsettling, even though they do eat pests. This guide will show you effective, humane methods to encourage them to move along without harm.

First, it’s good to know why they’re there. Lizards are usually a sign of a healthy insect population. They’re attracted to yards with plenty of bugs to eat and lots of places to hide. By making your yard less inviting, you can gently persuade them to find a new home.

This approach focuses on making changes to your outdoor space. The goal is to remove the things that attract lizards in the first place. It’s about long-term management, not a quick fix that might hurt other wildlife.

1. Reduce Their Food Source

Lizards eat insects. If your yard is bug-free, lizards will go elsewhere. You don’t need to eliminate every ant, but reducing major populations helps.

Use outdoor yellow bug lights. They attract fewer insects than regular white lights.
Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Keep compost bins sealed and away from the house.
Treat for major infestations, like swarms of ants or beetles.

2. Eliminate Hiding Spots and Shelter

Lizards need places to hide from birds and the sun. A tidy yard offers less protection.

Store firewood, lumber, and stones on raised racks away from the house.
Keep grass trimmed and bushes pruned.
Remove piles of leaves, mulch heaps, and general garden clutter.
Seal gaps under sheds, decks, and porches with wire mesh.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Certain smells and textures are unpleasant to lizards. These methods are safe for pets and plants when used correctly.

Pepper Spray: Mix water with a generous amount of cayenne or black pepper. Spray it around entry points and common lizard areas. Reapply after rain.
Coffee & Tobacco: Sprinkle used coffee grounds or wet tobacco around the yard. The strong smell can deter them.
Rough Textures: Lizards dislike walking on rough surfaces. Crushed eggshells or pine cones placed in garden beds can act as a barrier.

A Note on Commercial Repellents

You can find lizard repellent granules or sprays at stores. Look for ones with natural ingredients like peppermint oil. Always follow the label instructions carefully to protect your garden soil.

4. Modify Water Sources

Lizards need water to drink. Removing easy access can make your yard less comfortable.

Fix leaky hoses and outdoor faucets.
Empty water dishes for pets overnight, or bring them inside.
Cover or regularly clean birdbaths, or use a moving water feature instead.

5. Install Physical Barriers

This is about keeping lizards out of specific areas, like your patio or house.

Seal cracks in your home’s foundation and walls.
Install fine mesh screens on windows and vents.
Use door sweeps on exterior doors to block gaps.

Humane Trapping and Relocation

If you have one or two persistent lizards, trapping and moving them is a kind option. This works best for larger species.

Get a Live Trap: Use a small animal live trap. Bait it with a piece of ripe fruit or a few live insects.
Place it Carefully: Set the trap in an area where you’ve seen the lizard, like near a wall or bush.
Check Frequently: Check the trap every few hours. You don’t want the lizard to be stressed or without water for to long.
Relocate Safely: Take the trap to a suitable habitat at least a mile away. A wooded area or large park is good. Release the lizard gently.

What NOT to Do

Some methods are ineffective, inhumane, or harmful to your garden’s ecosystem. Avoid these.

Glue Traps: These are cruel and can also catch beneficial creatures and birds.
Poison: Lizard poison is dangerous to pets, children, and wildlife that might eat a poisoned lizard.
Chasing or Hurting Them: This is unnecessary and stressful for both you and the lizard. They are also much faster than you!

The Gardener’s Perspective: A Balanced View

Before you start, consider the benefits lizards provide. They are excellent natural pest control. A single lizard can eat dozens of insects each day, including mosquitoes, flies, and garden pests like aphids.

For many gardeners, learning to coexist is the best path. They help keep the real problem—bugs—in check. If their presence isn’t causing a specific issue, you might decide to let them be.

FAQ: Common Questions About Yard Lizards

Are yard lizards dangerous?

Most common yard lizards are completely harmless. They are not aggressive and will run from humans. In the US, species like anoles and skinks pose no threat. Always wash your hands after handling any wild animal, though.

What smells keep lizards away?

Lizards tend to dislike strong scents like pepper, coffee, and peppermint. These are the basis for many natural repellent sprays you can make at home.

Will lizards attract snakes to my yard?

It is possible, as some snakes eat lizards. However, keeping your yard tidy and lizard populations managed greatly reduces this risk. Removing lizard hiding spots also removes snake hiding spots.

How do I stop lizards from coming on my porch?

Focus on making the porch uninviting. Use a pepper spray repellent on the perimeter, keep it clean of insects, and ensure no water is available. Installing a ceiling fan can also deter them, as they dislike the moving air.

Are there any plants that repel lizards?

Some gardeners report success with strongly scented plants like lemongrass, mint, and eucalyptus. Planting these around sitting areas may create a natural barrier they avoid.

Managing lizards in your yard is about patience and consistency. By removing their food, water, and shelter, you create an environment that’s just not as appealing to them. Remember, a lizard-free yard might mean more insects, so aim for balance. With these steps, you can enjoy your outdoor space in peace.