How to Get Rid of Lizards in Garage

Are you tired of seeing lizards roaming around your garage? These small reptiles may seem harmless, but they can cause damage to your belongings and leave behind droppings that can be difficult to clean.

Finding lizards in your garage can be an unwelcome surprise, and while these creatures are generally harmless, they can still cause discomfort for many homeowners. Garages often provide an ideal environment for lizards as they are secluded, dark, and sometimes filled with insects that serve as a food source. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to deter lizards and prevent them from making your garage their home.

This guide on how to get rid of lizards in garage will explore practical and humane strategies to help you keep your garage lizard-free and give you peace of mind.

What Are the Causes of Lizards in Garage?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand why lizards are attracted to garages. Here are some common causes that may be inviting these reptiles into your garage:

• Insects: As mentioned earlier, insects serve as a food source for lizards. If your garage has an abundance of insects such as flies, mosquitoes, or ants, lizards will naturally be drawn to it.
• Warmth: Many lizard species thrive in warm environments and seek shelter from extreme temperatures. Garages can provide them a warm and sheltered space, especially during colder months.
• Clutter: Lizards love to hide in cluttered spaces where they feel safe and protected. If your garage is cluttered with boxes, tools, or other items, it can be an attractive hiding spot for lizards.
• Water Source: Lizards need water to survive and may be drawn to your garage if a water source is nearby. This could be a leaky pipe or even moisture from potted plants.

Now that we understand the possible reasons for lizards in garages, let’s move on to some effective ways to get rid of them.

What Will You Need?

Before you get started, here are some items you may need to deter and remove lizards from your garage effectively:

• Repellents: There are various commercial lizard repellents available in the market that can be sprayed around your garage to keep them at bay. These usually contain natural ingredients like peppermint or citronella oil, which are unpleasant for lizards.
• Mothballs: While mothballs are commonly used as a pest deterrent, they also have a strong odor that lizards find repulsive.
• Sticky Traps: Sticky traps or glue boards can be placed strategically around your garage to capture lizards as they move around. These traps do not harm the reptiles and can be easily disposed of.
• Sealing Materials: Sealing any cracks or openings in your garage from which lizards may enter is important. This could be gaps around doors, windows, or even pipes.

Once you have these items ready, you can start implementing the following strategies to eliminate lizards in a garage.

8 Easy Steps on How to Get Rid of Lizards in Garage

Step 1. Declutter Your Garage 

A cluttered garage provides the perfect hiding spots for lizards, making it harder to locate and eliminate them. Begin by systematically organizing your garage to remove unnecessary items and reduce potential hiding places. Start by sorting through boxes, tools, and stored items, discarding anything you no longer need.

Place frequently used items in clear storage bins or on shelves to keep them off the floor. Sweeping the floor and cleaning up any cobwebs or debris can further eliminate areas that attract lizards. A well-organized and clean garage not only deters lizards but also makes it easier to notice their presence and take action promptly.

Step 2. Keep the Garage Well-Lit 

Lizards are naturally drawn to dark and dimly lit spaces, as these environments provide a sense of safety and camouflage from predators. By keeping your garage well-lit, you create an less inviting environment to these creatures. Consider installing brighter overhead lights, or using motion-activated lighting to ensure the space remains illuminated whenever someone enters.

Additionally, letting in natural light during the day by opening windows or doors—while ensuring they are screened—can help to make the garage less hospitable for lizards. Maintaining consistent lighting disrupts their hiding spots and discourages them from making your garage their home.

Step 3. Reduce Moisture 

Lizards are drawn to environments with high moisture levels, as these spaces often provide them with hydration and a plentiful food source for insects. To reduce moisture in your garage, start by addressing any water sources, such as leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or pooling condensation. Fixing these issues can significantly decrease the humidity levels in the space. Additionally, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air dry, especially in damp areas or during humid seasons.

Proper ventilation is also key—installing vents or fans to improve air circulation and prevent excess moisture from accumulating. Regularly clean and inspect your garage for signs of dampness, such as mold, mildew, or water stains, as these can indicate an ongoing moisture problem that might attract lizards to the area.

Step 4. Use Natural Deterrents 

Natural deterrents are an effective and eco-friendly way to keep lizards out of your garage while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. Start by identifying scents or substances that lizards dislike. For example, lizards avoid strong smells like garlic, onions, or pepper. You can create a natural repellent spray by mixing water with crushed garlic or pepper powder and spraying it along entry points, walls, and corners where lizards might hide.

Another option is using essential oils—such as eucalyptus or peppermint—which deter lizards and leave your garage smelling pleasant. Simply mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water and spray it in the areas you wish to protect. Additionally, placing small bowls of coffee grounds or naphthalene balls in strategic locations can also discourage lizards from hanging around.

Step 5. Install Weatherstripping and Mesh Screens 

Installing weatherstripping and mesh screens is a practical and long-lasting solution to prevent lizards from entering your garage. Inspect your garage for gaps, cracks, or openings around doors, windows, and vents. These minor entry points often provide easy access for lizards and other pests. Weatherstripping can seal these gaps effectively, ensuring a tight fit around doors and windows.

For larger openings, such as vents or air ducts, consider installing mesh screens with fine gauging to prevent lizards from slipping through while maintaining airflow. Opt for durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum to ensure the screens remain functional over time. Regularly inspect and maintain these barriers to keep them in good condition.

Step 6. Keep the Garage Clean and Clutter-Free 

A clean and organized garage significantly reduces the chances of lizards seeking shelter. Lizards are often drawn to cluttered spaces where they can easily hide and remain undisturbed. Start by decluttering the garage, removing unnecessary items, and organizing tools, boxes, and equipment into designated areas.

Regularly sweep the garage floor to eliminate dust, debris, and potential food sources, such as insects. Store items off the floor and use sealed containers to reduce hiding spots. Maintaining a clean environment will make your garage less attractive to lizards, promoting a pest-free space.

Step 7. Use Natural Deterrents 

Natural deterrents can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to keep lizards out of your garage. Substances like garlic, onion, or pepper sprays can be applied near entry points or common hiding spots to repel these creatures, as lizards are often deterred by their strong smells.

Additionally, placing eggshells or naphthalene balls in corners or around entryways can discourage lizards from entering. However, care should be taken with naphthalene to ensure safety, especially if children or pets are present. Experiment with these natural solutions to find what works best for your space and integrate them into your overall pest control strategy.

Step 8. Seal Cracks and Gaps 

Sealing cracks and gaps is crucial to prevent lizards from entering your garage. Inspect your garage for any openings, such as gaps around windows, doors, or vents, and cracks in the walls or floor. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or mesh screens to close off these potential entry points.

By eliminating access routes, you deter lizards and minimize the chances of other pests finding their way inside. Regularly check for new openings and repair them promptly to maintain a secure and pest-free environment.

By following these steps, you can effectively keep lizards out of your garage and create a clean, organized, and well-maintained space.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Harmful Chemicals: Avoid toxic pesticides or chemicals that could harm both lizards and the environment. These substances can also pose risks to pets and children who may come into contact with them.
2. Sealing All Air Vents Completely: Blocking air vents entirely may seem like a solution to keep lizards out, but it can reduce ventilation in your garage, leading to moisture buildup and other problems like mold.
3. Leaving Food Sources Unchecked: Avoid ignoring potential food sources in the garage, such as open trash or crumbs. These attract insects, which in turn attract lizards. Tackle the root cause to prevent them from returning.
4. Using Glue Traps: Glue traps are inhumane and can cause unnecessary suffering for the lizards. Instead, opt for more humane trapping or deterrent methods.
5. Ignoring Cracks and Gaps: Failing to address your garage’s cracks, gaps, and openings allows lizards easy entry. Avoid delaying repairs or neglecting proper sealing methods for an effective solution.

Conclusion

How to get rid of lizards in garage, it is essential to combine preventative measures with humane deterrent methods.

Start by thoroughly sealing cracks, gaps, and other potential entry points while ensuring proper ventilation. Maintain cleanliness by removing food sources like crumbs and open trash that attract insects, a primary food source for lizards. Avoid harmful chemicals and inhumane traps, opting for natural repellents or safe removal strategies.

By being consistent and mindful in your approach, you can create an environment that discourages lizards from occupying your garage without endangering them or other inhabitants of your home.