Household Plants That Repel Bothersome Lizards
In the quest for a lizard-free home, consider incorporating a variety of indoor plants that not only add a touch of greenery but also act as natural deterrents for these reptiles. Here's a guide to some effective options and how to grow them.
The Peppermint Plant (Mentha Piperita) and Japanese Mint (Mentha Arvensis) are two popular choices due to their pungent aromas that lizards find unappealing. Their minty scent creates an invisible barrier that lizards tend to avoid [1][3].
Another effective option is the Eucalyptus, known for emitting a scent that repels lizards and other pests. It can thrive indoors with proper lighting [3][4].
The Herb-of-Grace (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a visually appealing plant with bluish-green foliage, which may contribute to repelling lizards. While scientific data is less readily available, it's worth exploring botanical or gardening sources focusing on aromatic herbs for reptile deterrence [5].
The Pencil Tree (Euphorbia Tirucalli) is another natural lizard repellent due to its toxic sap and strong odour. It's low maintenance and can be grown indoors in pots [3].
The Herb-of-Grace (Ruta Graveolens) is an ornamental herb with a musty smell that is effective in repelling lizards [6].
Additionally, other natural lizard repellents include garlic, onion, and lemongrass. These plants are easy to grow and maintain, providing a safe and eco-friendly way to deal with unwanted reptiles [7].
To ensure the success of these plants indoors, it's crucial to understand their growth conditions. For instance, the Peppermint Plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and protection from direct sunlight [5]. The Japanese Mint grows up to 60 cm tall and thrives in humus-rich soil, requiring water daily and avoiding direct sunlight [2]. The Pencil Tree thrives in well-drained, high-quality soil with abundant sunlight and requires water once a week in summer and less in winter [3]. The Herb-of-Grace prefers well-drained soil with direct sunlight or partial shade and needs watering every 2-3 weeks [5].
For comprehensive, practical advice and user experiences, consider watching videos like "12 Best Plants to Keep at Home to Avoid Lizards" on YouTube, reading home remedy and gardening articles, consulting horticultural sites or forums, and utilising botanical databases or gardening platforms for each plant [1][3].
By incorporating these plants into your home or garden, you can create an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and free of lizards. Moreover, these plants also help freshen the air in your home, providing additional benefits beyond lizard control.
Remember, these plants emit strong odors that typically deter lizards by making the environment uncomfortable or uninviting to them. Placing these plants around doors, windows, or typical lizard entry points amplifies the natural barrier effect [1][3]. Peppermint and related plants can also be used to make homemade sprays that enhance lizard repellency indoors [3].
Embrace the power of nature and transform your home into a lizard-free oasis with these natural lizard repellents.
[1] YouTube Video: "12 Best Plants to Keep at Home to Avoid Lizards" [2] Nurserylive: Japanese Mint Care Guide [3] Home Remedy and Gardening Articles: "Natural Ways to Keep Lizards Away" [4] Eucalyptus Care Guide: "Growing Eucalyptus Indoors" [5] Botanical and Gardening Sources: "Aromatic Herbs for Reptile Deterrence" [6] Herb-of-Grace Care Guide: "Growing and Caring for Herb-of-Grace" [7] Additional Notes: "Leveraging the Power of Plants to Keep Lizards Away"
- The Peppermint Plant (Mentha Piperita) and Japanese Mint (Mentha Arvensis) are two popular indoor plants that not only offer a touch of greenery but also act as natural deterrents for lizards due to their pungent aromas.
- Eucalyptus, an indoor plant known for its repelling scent, can be grown effectively indoors with proper lighting, serving as an additional natural deterrent for lizards.
- The Herb-of-Grace (Plectranthus amboinicus) can be a visually appealing indoor plant option, as it may help repel lizards, despite less scientific data supporting its effectiveness.
- The Pencil Tree (Euphorbia Tirucalli) has a toxic sap and strong odor, making it a low-maintenance indoor plant that acts as a natural lizard repellent, especially when grown in pots.
