How To Keep Lizards Off Your Porch All Season Long

No matter where you live in the United States, you've probably seen a lizard or two (or multiple) in the wild. There are more than 7,000 species of lizards across the globe, including geckos, iguanas, and chameleons. In North America alone, there are about 150 native lizards. Lizards typically come out of hibernation during the springtime, usually around mid-April, and go back into hibernation around the month of October. In the spring and summer, you've probably seen them scaling your home's exterior walls or sitting in the sun. As cute as they may be, you may not want lizards hanging around your porch due to their droppings. 

While lizards are almost all harmless to humans and known for eating insects, they can become pests if you find their droppings scattered over your property and porch. However, their droppings can cause stains on your porch and outdoor furniture, making them a nuisance. In rare cases, lizard droppings can also carry salmonella. However, not all lizards carry the bacteria. Plus, seeing them inside your house can be quite a scare. 

In short, you'll likely want to keep these critters away from your porch where you like to sit and enjoy nature. There are several different tactics that work by eliminating their food sources and hiding places. That means tackling insects and keeping your space tidy.

While you don't want to harm or kill the lizards on your property, as they work as excellent pest control for the rest of your yard, you can still banish them from your porch with a few easy tricks. Lizards are primarily attracted to dark, warm hiding spots and can sneak into tight areas under furniture, around gardening equipment, in open boxes, etc. They also tend to gather where there may be tasty insects, so one way to ensure lizards stay off your porch is get rid of any food, drinks, or trash that may attract ants or flies. Eliminating insects from your porch, and keeping the area clean in general, will help keep the lizard population at bay. 

Areas of stagnant, standing water also attract bugs such as mosquitos, which in turn attracts lizards, so it may be worth it to eliminate those areas. Avoid making the common mistakes of using baking soda or eggshells as lizard repellent; these products typically only make the problem worse.

One easy way to deter lizards from your property is to make your own DIY repellent spray. Lizards tend to dislike strong, hot, or spicy scents and tastes, so you can grab whatever hot ingredient you have on hand in your pantry. This could be anything from hot sauce to crushed garlic. Mix your ingredient of choice with water to create a spray and apply the solution to your porch. Bleach is another essential cleaning product that will deter lizards. If you're not a fan of repellent or chemical sprays, you can also try adding plants to your porch that lizards dislike, like rosemary and peppermint. You can also keep your home lizard-free with a handy liquid you already own: vinegar. Whatever you use,  be sure to prevent any potential contamination when cleaning, by wearing gloves and washing your hands thoroughly after cleaning up after or coming in contact with a lizard or its droppings.