Lizard droppings on outdoor living spaces are a frequent issue for homeowners, especially in warmer climates. Lizards are drawn to porches and patios for basic survival needs, often leaving behind unsightly waste. Fortunately, there are several effective and humane strategies to deter them. The most successful approach involves removing attractants and implementing specific deterrents to encourage the lizards to relocate.
Eliminating the Lure: Removing Food and Water Sources
Lizards constantly seek food, water, and shelter. The most fundamental step in deterring them is to eliminate their primary attractant: their insect diet. Lizards are drawn to insects like moths, flies, and spiders that congregate near exterior lights at night. Switching from standard bright white or UV-emitting bulbs to yellow-spectrum LED or sodium vapor lights can significantly reduce the insect population and cut off this food supply.
Reducing standing water sources is necessary, as lizards seek out moisture even from small pools. Regularly empty pet water bowls left outdoors, fix leaky faucets, and clear clogged gutters that hold water. Lizards also look for dark, cool places for shelter and temperature regulation. Removing excess clutter like wood piles, dense leaf litter, or debris immediately adjacent to the porch eliminates these potential shelter sites.
Active Repellents and Environmental Deterrents
Once attractants are minimized, apply measures that make the porch uncomfortable for lizards. Lizards have a sensitive sense of smell, making pungent household items effective, non-toxic deterrents. A homemade spray using warm water and a spicy ingredient, such as cayenne pepper or hot sauce, can be applied around door thresholds and window frames. The capsaicin in the pepper is irritating to the lizards without causing them harm.
Other effective sensory deterrents include strong-smelling natural oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella, which lizards avoid. Soak cotton balls in these essential oils and strategically place them in discreet corners or crevices where lizards are observed. Textural deterrents can also create uncomfortable walking surfaces. For example, sprinkling used coffee grounds around the foundation perimeter makes the ground abrasive and less appealing for lizards.
Physical Exclusion and Safe Removal
For a long-term solution, physical exclusion involves modifying the porch structure to prevent access. Lizards can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, requiring a thorough inspection of the porch and adjacent home structure. Small cracks and crevices in the foundation, masonry, and siding should be sealed with an exterior-grade caulk to eliminate entry points and hiding spots. Checking and repairing any holes or tears in window or door screens is also important, as lizards use these openings to gain shelter.
If a lizard has already established residence, safe removal methods ensure a humane outcome. Non-toxic sticky traps designed for household pests can capture lizards, but they must be checked frequently for immediate and safe release elsewhere. For a simpler method, a soft-bristled broom or a gentle stream of water can guide the lizard off the porch and away from the foundation. The objective is to encourage the reptile to leave the area without causing injury.