Lizard problems and solutions
In the summer and humid season, sighting of lizards in the balcony of the house is a common problem. These are sometimes found hidden on walls, sometimes in pots or behind windows. Generally, these lizards are harmless to humans and hunt insects, but their presence can make many people uncomfortable.
If you are seeing frequent lizards on your balcony, it would be more effective to reduce the reasons why they are coming there rather than simply getting rid of them. Their numbers can be controlled by reducing food, insects, water and hiding places.
Step 1: Close entry points
Lizards can enter the house through windows, doors, ventilation or cracks in the walls. Therefore, to prevent these in the balcony, first check the possible entry points.
If there are small gaps in the wall or frame, they can be closed with a suitable sealant. The entry of lizards as well as other insects can be reduced by installing strong mesh on windows and ventilation.
reduce the number of insects
Lizards often come to places where they can easily find food. Insects congregate around balcony lights at night, which may attract lizards.
Therefore, when not required, keep the balcony lights off and put nets on the windows and doors. It is also necessary to regularly clean the insects that accumulate around the lights.
Cleaning of pots and accessories
Lizards can find hiding places behind pots, among old boxes and other items. Therefore, do not allow unnecessary stuff to accumulate in the balcony.
Regularly clean fallen leaves, garbage and accumulated water around the pots. A clean balcony will have fewer hiding places and will help keep insect populations under control.
use of aromatic plants
Aromatic plants like mint, lemongrass and eucalyptus can be planted in the balcony. Their scent may help some people keep lizards away.
However, these plants should not be considered a sure shot solution to ward off lizards. For better results, it may be more useful to adopt these along with measures like cleaning, netting and closing entry points.
Egg Shell Remedy
The home remedy of keeping clean and dry egg shells in the corners of the balcony is quite popular. It is believed that lizards can sense the presence of a predator by looking at them.
However, there is no solid scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this remedy. If you try it, keep the peels clean and dry and remove them immediately if they smell or get dirty.
chili or pepper spray
Some people also adopt the home method of spraying chilli or black pepper by mixing it in water. Be careful when using it, as the chili solution can cause eye and skin irritation.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Before spraying on any surface, make sure that it will not damage that surface.
Use of garlic-onion and naphthalene
The strong smell of garlic and onion is also used as a way to keep lizards away. These can be kept near potential areas for some time, but it is important to remove them before they deteriorate.
Take special care when using naphthalene balls. Do not keep them in a place where children and pets are accessible and avoid unnecessary use of them in the open.
Keep the balcony cool and ventilated
Lizards are creatures dependent on external temperatures and their activity may increase in warmer places. Keeping adequate ventilation in the balcony and removing unnecessary heat generating items can be helpful.
The most effective approach is usually to adopt a combination of measures such as cleaning, pest control, sealing cracks and installing mesh, rather than relying on a single home remedy. This can help reduce the chances of lizards coming into the balcony.