Lizards at home: why they come and what actually helps

House lizards are a familiar sight in Vadodara homes: on the wall near the tube light, behind the cupboard, on the balcony door or in the kitchen at night. Some people do not mind them, but many families, especially those with young children, would rather not share their home with them.

This guide explains why lizards come into the house, which popular remedies do not really work, and what actually helps.

Why lizards come into your home

1. Food: insects

This is the main reason. Lizards eat insects: mosquitoes, flies, moths, small cockroaches and others. Where there are insects, there will be lizards. Lights that attract insects at night, such as tube lights, balcony bulbs and lights near open windows, become a lizard's dinner table.

2. Warmth and shelter

Lizards like warm, sheltered spots. Behind wall frames, photo frames, cupboards, AC units, curtains and stored items are common hiding places.

3. Easy entry

• Open windows and doors without mesh
• Gaps around AC pipes and exhaust fans
• Gaps under doors
• Cracks and holes in walls and window frames

4. Plants and clutter

Balconies with lots of plants, stacked items and boxes give lizards cover and attract the insects they feed on.

Are house lizards dangerous?

The common house lizard is mostly harmless and avoids people. The bigger concern is hygiene: lizards can leave droppings on walls, shelves and kitchen counters, and they can fall into food or water if it is left uncovered. Keep food and drinking water covered, and wash surfaces where you find droppings. If you have any health concern, please speak to a doctor.

Home remedies: what is myth and what helps

You will find many tips online and from neighbours. Some are harmless but do not do much.

Mostly myths

• Eggshells hung near walls
• Peacock feathers
• Onion or garlic placed in corners
• Naphthalene balls scattered around the house, which also are not safe around children and pets

People often feel these work because lizards move around anyway. They do not deal with the reasons lizards are there.

What actually helps

1. Cut down the insects. Reduce mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches and you reduce the lizards' food supply. See mosquito control, house fly control and cockroach control.
2. Change outdoor lighting. Switch off balcony and outside lights when not needed, or move them away from doors and windows, so fewer insects gather near entry points.
3. Fit mesh on windows, ventilators and balcony doors.
4. Seal gaps around AC pipes, exhaust fans, door frames and wall cracks.
5. Reduce clutter behind cupboards, on lofts and on balconies.
6. Keep food covered and kitchen surfaces clean at night.
7. Move frames and items away from walls occasionally so hiding spots are disturbed.

What a lizard control visit involves

If lizards remain a problem after these steps, a professional visit can help. Our approach is to:

• Look for where lizards are hiding and entering
• Check for the insects they are feeding on
• Treat hiding spots and entry areas as suitable for the home
• Advise on gaps, lighting and mesh

Odourless options are available for many treatments, which many families prefer for bedrooms and living rooms. Ask when booking. Read more on our lizard control page.

It is worth being realistic: lizards are common outdoors in Vadodara, and an occasional lizard can still find its way in. The aim is to make your home much less attractive to them so they stop settling in.

Checklist

• Switch off or move lights near doors and windows at night
• Fit mesh on windows, ventilators and balcony doors
• Seal gaps around AC pipes, fans and frames
• Clear clutter behind furniture and on balconies
• Keep food and drinking water covered
• Deal with mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches
• Skip the eggshells and naphthalene balls

Summary

Lizards come into homes mainly for insects, warmth and shelter. Popular remedies like eggshells and peacock feathers do little. Cutting down insects, changing lighting, fitting mesh, sealing gaps and reducing clutter are what actually help, with a targeted treatment if needed.

To arrange a visit, WhatsApp us a short note about where you see lizards, or book a visit.