Imagine this: you are happily cooking your favourite dal tadka after a long day of work. The tadka is sizzling and just as you are in the mood to eat, all your excitement is gone as you spot a lizard resting on the wall. Oops! This sight may be common in the kitchen, but it can look downright disgusting and unhygienic. House lizards sneak into our homes in search of warmth and insects. However, having them around is not ideal. But before you panic and pick up a chemical spray to ward them off, there are some easy and natural ways to keep these unwanted guests away. Read on to know how you can keep lizards away from your sacred cooking space.
Also read: Are there cockroaches in your kitchen? Follow these 5 simple steps to keep these pests away
Photo credit: iStock
Here are 6 easy ways to keep lizards away from your kitchen
1. The magic of eggshells
Yes! Instead of throwing away the used egg shells after making egg curry or bhurji, use them to keep lizards away. This is because lizards cannot tolerate the smell of egg shells. Just place these egg shells near windows, doors or any place where you think lizards can enter. The strong smell of egg shells will drive the lizards away. Also, it is an eco-friendly way to repel them, which does not require the use of harmful pesticides. Just keep changing the egg shells every two to three days to maintain hygiene.
2. Cucumber to the rescue
We love cucumbers in salads and raita. But lizards? They hate cucumbers. Lizards can’t stand the smell of cucumber. Just slice a cucumber and place it on the kitchen counter or any other lizard-infested area. This cooling vegetable will help you keep these unwanted guests away. Plus, the smell of cucumber will freshen up your kitchen! Keep changing the cucumber slices regularly.
3. Coffee Powder Punch
Yes, coffee can help you kick-start your day but did you know that it can also help keep lizards away? All you need to do is mix some coffee powder with crushed tobacco (yes, you read that right) and place it in every corner and lizard prone area. Lizards will run away from these places and the aroma of coffee will make your kitchen feel warm and pleasant.
Photo credit: iStock
4. Lemon Love
You will be happy to know that lizards do not like the smell of citrus fruits at all. So, a kitchen with the scent of fresh lemons can become your next favourite thing. Just take a spray bottle, add some lemon juice to water and spray it all over the kitchen, especially in damp and dark corners. This will not only act as a natural repellent but will also freshen up your kitchen in no time.
5. Garlic and cloves
By now, you must have realized that lizards are repelled by strong odors. Garlic and cloves can help you in this case. The strong and pungent smell of garlic and cloves will keep these lizards away from your kitchen. Just place a few cloves of garlic or dried cloves near the windows, doors and kitchen countertops, and you will never see a lizard again. This hack is especially useful if you don’t mind some spicy aroma in the air. The best part? These things are already present in your pantry, so you don’t have to do much shopping.
6. Keep it squeaky clean
Want to know the best way to keep lizards away? Keep your kitchen clean! Lizards usually look for insects to eat, so keep your kitchen counters and pantry clean. Clean and wipe surfaces regularly to ensure there are no food particles left. If there are no food crumbs, lizards will not wander into that area.
Also read: Can orange peels repel cockroaches? You may be surprised to know the truth…
