It seems like lizard repellent products are a dime a dozen these days, except they cost far more than a dime. In some ways, they’ve become the “miracle tonics” of the 21st century for getting rid of lizards.
That doesn’t mean they’re all bad, however. Many products actually have a great success rate when you stop expecting a cure-all product.
Here are five of the best lizard repellents that have a reputation for working when used in conjunction with regular deterrent methods.
Personal mileage will always vary, but we believe these products are worth the investment.
Related: Best Mouse Repellents (for Home and Car Use)
Do Mothballs Keep Lizards Away?
Before delving into modern repellents, it’s important to address the elephant in the room: mothballs. This remedy has been used for generations and, yes, it can repel lizards and many pesky insects. Unfortunately, it can also be very dangerous.
Mothballs use sublimation to work. During this process, they release toxic chemicals that can absorb into most surfaces and contaminate water sources. Modern mothballs are less toxic than the old naphthalene balls, but are still a major health risk to your two and four-legged family members. For this reason, we strongly urge against using this home remedy.
See Also: Getting Rid of Mothball Smell
Lizard Repellent Reviews
#1 – Exterminators Choice Lizard Defense Spray
Starting off our list is an all natural anti lizard spray meant to work on all species. The formula gives off a pleasant scent that lizards find unappealing without the use of harmful chemicals.
Applications will generally last a good month or more before needing a new coat. You can apply it just about anywhere indoors or outdoors without putting your family’s health at risk.
One thing we love is that this brand is well-known for using formulas derived from actual veteran exterminator experience. This has made their products some of the best on the market. Of course, this lizard deterrent isn’t perfect (none are).
When this product works, it works amazingly well,. But you need to also remember to remove anything attracting the lizards for this stuff to do its job effectively.
Also, while it does work on pretty much all lizard species, the failures most often involve encounters with a gecko (probably intent on selling them insurance).
See Also: What Do Lizard Droppings Look Like?
#2 – Bed-Bug-Rid Pest Rid Spray
Organic deterrents can often be a waste of money. However, Pest Rid does a pretty good job against a wide range of critters, including reptiles and amphibians such as frogs. This bio-pesticide uses a variety of kitchen ingredients such as herbs and spices to create a potent smell that pests hate. Because it’s all-natural, it’s safe around people and pets.
This product is a great example of why we always say mileage can vary. For many users, it works like a dream as a lizard defense spray and lasts a long time. Others get zero effect. And there’s also a third group where the product works in some spots and against some species of lizards, but fails elsewhere.
We have to be honest here. Consumers rarely admit whether they’re using a product on its own or as part of a regimen. We believe the middle ground people are proof many failures are due to not removing the things attracting lizards in the first place or improper usage. In other cases, the failures are simply down to tolerant lizards.
One other thing we will note is that this product can have an overpowering, spicy smell on the first day. It has been enough to make some folks gag. This isn’t so bad if you like baking cinnamon buns or working with spices, but you may want a face mask when applying otherwise to dilute the smell.
#3 – Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
Next, let’s talk about an ultrasonic pest repeller. Designed to handle a wide range of pests including lizards, this Neatmaster goes beyond the competition by offering three different modes. These modes work by affecting the nervous systems of pests, making even heavy infestations flee the premises completely after a few weeks of use.
The green mode uses a bionic wave to get rid of minor infestations. Blue uses a more powerful electromagnetic wave for moderate problems. For the most extreme cases, grab your pets, rent a hotel room for a couple days and use the red ultrasonic mode.
Probably the best electronic lizard repellent out there, the versatility of this device only adds to its value. Critters (including mice, spiders, roaches, and others) will often vacate in only a day or two, and running it a few weeks trains pests to avoid your home entirely.
There aren’t many cases of this device not working, and they’re almost entirely issues with roaches or other critters with simple nervous systems. It seems to work fine with lizards, however, including that frustrating iguana that keeps eating repellents.
Of course, there’s one huge downside to the Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller and other electronic repellents. The wavelengths they produce won’t bother humans, but they can be uncomfortable and possibly painful to your pets. Keep an eye on your pets when using this or other ultrasonic repellent products. If they begin acting strangely, you might need to isolate them from the device or discontinue use.
#4 – Bed-Bug-Rid Pest Rid Golden Granules
Similar to their other Pest Rid product, this granule forumla is designed to get rid of lizards using a blend of all-natural ingredients. What makes it different is simply the fact that you’re sprinkling it instead of using a spray bottle. Simply spread the repellent anywhere lizards congregate and they’ll begin to avoid that area.
As with other repellents, you’ll want to reapply after rains (or mowing the lawn, if applying directly to grass) to maintain effectiveness.
This product has a pretty decent track record against both lizards and frogs. The key to success, according to satisfied customers, is to shake well before each application and to reapply after rain or heavy moisture to ensure it doesn’t wear off.
The results can take up to a couple weeks, but (thankfully) the smell isn’t as bad as some other natural repellents.
A few customers have also noted that the product can cause leaf damage to more sensitive plants. Thus, we would suggest using caution when combatting garden pests and use this mainly as a pest control method for lawns, along foundation “dead zones”, and other places you won’t be putting any prized ornamentals at risk.
#5 – BuyBlocker All Natural Lizard Blocker
This long-lasting lizard deterrent uses all-natural ingredients compressed in easy-to-use granules. When spread, it produces an odor that lizards find offensive. As with the other repellents on this list, this lizard blocker is biodegradable and non-toxic.
We here at RMC don’t use mothballs (see above). However, many of this product’s users have noted it’s an excellent replacement. The granules tend to work pretty well when reapplied immediately after it rains.
Best of all, unlike our previous granular product, you can use the granules as part of a spray for easier application and better coverage. Unfortunately, it’s probably best to use it this way to diffuse the smell.
The odor of this repellent is quite strong and seems to have a different offending smell for different users. A common saying is that it seems to be better at repelling humans and attracting flies. We haven’t been able to confirm this in our tests, but the smell is definitely not pleasant.
How to Use These Products Effectively
While you should always follow all instructions carefully, there are also additional steps you need to take. For example, always check the label to make sure the species of reptiles you’re battling are listed. Otherwise, the product might not work for you.
Also, some products can be used indoors to protect your kitchen cabinets and other food-related areas safely. Others should be restricted to outdoor spaces. Always pay attention to this factor to avoid potentially contaminating your food or putting your family at risk. Ultrasonic noise is safe around food, but may irritate your pets, so don’t just plug them into any old electrical socket.
Finally, there’s no point in purchasing these products if you don’t address what’s attracting the lizards in the first place. Remove any potential food sources (including any insect pest situations) and sources of water. Also, give your home an exclusionary inspection if the lizards are inside. The single biggest reason for these products failing is because you’re declaring the restaurant closed but leaving the buffet out and the door wide open.
Commercial Products vs Home Remedies
Let’s finish up by talking about something reviews often avoid: Are the products on this list better or worse than home remedies?
Home Remedies
The most effective lizard repellent (in our experience) is one that’s chemical-free. When you look at home remedies, they often involve assaulting the lizard’s nose or feet. For example, a repellent spray made with by mixing hot sauce with water or steeped hot peppers will make their feet burn without actually harming them. Note that capsicum sprays are generally safe around your plants, but may irritate more sensitive plants.
You can also use steeped garlic cloves or many common kitchen herbs to make repellent sprays. These have ingredients lizards turn their noses up at. The pungent smell is often minor to human noses and can repel all types of pests.
Finally, a bottle with water and essential oils can be an excellent ally against lizard infestations. From eucalyptus oil to peppermint oil (perhaps the most effective at repelling pests), these are great as both a lizard repellent spray and for indoor pest control. Some essential oils are toxic to pets if consumed, but are harmless if used responsibly.
Our Commercial Picks
Now compare these popular home remedies to the active ingredients in the products we’ve reviewed. Do you see the common threads? Harsh chemicals are not only less safe for your family and the environment, pests will built up a tolerance. But the products we’ve reviewed rely heavily upon safe, organic ingredients that have been used for centuries.
We chose these products because they all use tried-and-true ingredients or well-documented ultrasonic measures. You won’t get 100 percent effectiveness against pests outside of napalm (which we don’t recommend trying), but all five products do a great job and are varied to help ensure you find a product best for your particular situation.
So Which is Better?
As for whether they’re better than the home remedies they’re based on, we feel they’re just about on-par. Home remedies are cheaper, but it’s easier to get the process wrong. Even worse, inflation means it may soon become more expensive to make your own repellents unless you grow all the ingredients yourself.
Meanwhile, the products we’ve reviewed will require a bigger financial investment but take all the guesswork out of the equation. Thus, they may be a better bet for those who don’t have the time or patience to concoct a homemade repellent.
Morgan is a certified entomologist and pest control consultant and a member of the National Pest Management Association.
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I have a lizard infestation on my Verandah “Open air” which is best for the purpose?