Have you ever walked outside onto your beautiful patio only to find your new rattan furniture hosting an unexpected lounge party of sunbathing lizards? It can be startling to find these small reptilian guests sprawled out on your chairs and tables, leaving behind tiny footprints and more scaly residue than you bargained for. While lizards certainly have as much right to enjoy the outdoors as we humans, let’s face it – their parties aren’t always welcome on your furniture.
Lizards may seem harmless, but they can be a nuisance to outdoor furniture. Their droppings can leave stubborn stains, and their presence can deter you from enjoying your backyard sanctuary.
In this post, I’ll share some simple yet effective methods of how to keep lizards off patio furniture sets so you can fully enjoy relaxing al fresco without worrying about scales and tails.
What Will You Need?
Before we get into the specifics of how to keep lizards away, let’s make sure you have all the necessary supplies at hand:
- A clean spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Essential oils such as peppermint, lemon or eucalyptus (optional)
- A broom or brush
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the methods themselves.
10 Easy Steps on How to Keep Lizards Off Patio Furniture
Step 1. Keep the Area Clean
One of the best ways to keep lizards off patio furniture is to clean the area. Lizards are attracted to areas that have lots of food and debris, so it’s important to sweep and vacuum the area around your patio furniture regularly. Additionally, keep pet food and bird feeders away from your patio furniture, as these can attract lizards.
Step 2. Use Natural Repellents
Natural repellents are another effective way to deter lizards from your patio furniture. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your patio will help to keep lizards away, as they do not like the sharp texture of the powder. You can also create a spray using essential oils such as citrus or peppermint oil, which will help to repel lizards from your patio furniture.
Step 3. Remove Attractants
Removing any potential attractants is also essential when trying to keep lizards away from your patio furniture. Make sure there are no cracks or crevices in your walls or foundation where lizards could hide, and seal up any openings in windows or doors with weather-stripping or caulk. Additionally, trim back any trees or shrubs near your patio that could provide shelter for lizards.
Step 4. Utilize Vinegar Spray
White vinegar is another natural repellent that keeps lizards away from your patio furniture. Fill a spray bottle with half water and vinegar, then spray it around your patio and furniture. The pungent smell of vinegar is highly unpleasant to lizards and will deter them from coming near.
Step 5. Create a Physical Barrier
Physically preventing lizards from accessing your patio furniture is a highly effective method. You can install fine mesh screens around your patio area or even purchase specially designed, safe and humane lizard-repellent fences. Ensure there are no gaps or holes where a lizard could squeeze through. This step might require some effort to put in place, but it offers a long-term solution for keeping lizards off your patio furniture.
Step 6. Use Screens or Nets
Setting up screens around your patio area or using net covers for your furniture can also keep lizards at bay. This physical barrier prevents them from accessing your furniture while allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space. Remember to keep the screens or nets clean and free of any debris that could entice lizards to make a home there.
Step 7. Set Up Lizard Traps
If your lizard problem is persistent, consider setting up lizard traps around your patio. These traps are designed to catch lizards humanely without causing them any harm. Once captured, you can then release them at a safe distance away from your home.
Step 8. Keep Noise and Light Levels High
Lizards prefer quiet and dark spaces. Therefore, maintaining a well-lit patio and playing some soft background music can deter these creatures. Solar lights or LED strips can illuminate your patio without being overly bright or intrusive. Moreover, a radio playing soft music or the ambient sounds from a water feature can create enough noise to deter lizards from approaching your patio furniture.
Step 9. Introduce Natural Predators
If it’s feasible and you’re comfortable with it, introducing natural predators of lizards into your yard can be a highly effective way of keeping them off your patio furniture. Birds, particularly species like roadrunners and hawks, are known predators of lizards. By installing birdhouses and feeders in your yard, you can create a habitat that attracts these birds, which may help control the lizard population. Always remember, however, to balance this with the overall impact on your local ecosystem.
Step 10. Hire a Professional Pest Control Service
If all else fails, or if the lizard population in your yard is huge, consider hiring a professional pest control service. These experts have the knowledge and experience to handle the situation effectively and humanely. They can implement a comprehensive strategy to deter lizards from your patio furniture and ensure they don’t return. Remember, the goal is not to harm these creatures but to coexist with them peacefully, just not on your patio furniture. With professional help, you can enjoy your outdoor space without any unwelcome scaly visitors.
Following these steps, you can effectively keep lizards off your patio furniture and maintain a relaxing outdoor living space. Remember to regularly clean the area, use natural repellents, remove attractants, and create physical barriers to prevent lizards from making a home on your patio furniture.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Lizard Repellants: Commercially produced lizard repellants are practical and easy to apply. These are made with ingredients that lizards find unpleasant and will keep them off your patio furniture.
- Grow Lizard-Unfriendly Plants: Certain plants act as natural deterrents for lizards. These include marigolds, citrus trees, lavender, and basil. Incorporating these plants in your garden or near your patio can naturally repel lizards and keep them away from your furniture.
- Use Citrus Peels: The smell of citrus fruits is known to repel lizards. Keep peels of lemons, oranges, or grapefruits around your patio furniture to prevent unwanted visitors.
- Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Lizards are deterred by water and will quickly retreat if sprayed with it. Installing motion-activated sprinklers near your patio can help keep lizards away.
- Check for Hiding Spots: Lizards like to hide in small crevices and cracks. Regularly check and seal any openings in your patio furniture or surrounding areas to prevent lizards from making a home there.
By following these additional tips and tricks, you can effectively keep lizards off your patio furniture without causing them any harm.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals: While it may be tempting to use solid insecticides or other harmful chemicals to deter lizards, these substances can harm other beneficial creatures and damage the environment. Opt for natural or eco-friendly solutions instead.
- Don’t Leave Food Out: Leaving food scraps or pet food out can attract insects, which might attract lizards. Clean up after meals and adequately seal any pet food containers.
- Don’t Allow Clutter: A cluttered patio provides perfect hiding spots for lizards. Keep your outdoor area tidy and free of unnecessary items to discourage lizards from settling in.
- Avoid Creating Water Sources: Lizards need water to survive, so any open water sources on your patio, like pet water bowls or bird baths, might attract them. Ensure these are emptied or covered when not in use.
- Don’t Ignore Regular Maintenance: Maintaining your patio area is essential for keeping lizards at bay. This includes sealing cracks, removing potential food sources, and keeping the area clean.
By avoiding these actions, you can help to prevent lizards from making your patio furniture their home.
Does Salt Get Rid of Lizards?
It is a common myth that salt can be used as a deterrent for lizards. While it may cause them discomfort, it is not a humane or effective way to keep them away from your patio furniture. Using salt can also harm other beneficial creatures and damage the environment. It’s best to use more safe and natural methods for deterring lizards. So, be sure to try out some of the tips and tricks mentioned above instead.
Overall, these methods are more effective in keeping lizards away and kinder to the environment. With a little effort and persistence, you can enjoy your patio furniture without any unwelcome lizard guests. So go ahead and implement these tips to create a lizard-free outdoor space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to keep lizards off patio furniture is key if you wish to enjoy it without any surprise visits from these cute reptiles. There are a number of natural methods that you can use to do so, such as sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter or planting plants that naturally deter lizards.
However, suppose none of the mentioned methods work for you. In that case, it is best to consider using commercial deterrents and other solutions that contain ingredients like sulfur, which act as effective natural deterrents. Ultimately, whatever method you choose must be practiced regularly and consistently in order to ensure success!
Hopefully, this guide has provided helpful tips and tricks to keep lizards off your patio furniture effectively. Remember, it is important to coexist with these creatures in a peaceful manner and avoid causing them any harm. So go forth and apply one of the methods mentioned today so that your patio furniture stays orderly and lizard-free!