From marigold to chrysanthemum: 5 flowering plants that can help get rid of lizards at home

Spotting a lizard on your wall is never a great moment. One second you’re relaxed, the next you’re staring at it like, how did you even get here? It’s that one house guest nobody invited but somehow keeps showing up.
Now, sure, you could use sprays or chemical repellents. But not everyone wants that inside their home, especially around kids or in the kitchen.
The good news? You can try a more natural route. Some flowering plants don’t just look pretty - they can actually make your home less appealing to lizards. No, they won’t magically vanish overnight, but they can definitely help.
Here are 5 flowering plants that pull double duty - decor + natural pest control.​
Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)

Marigolds are everywhere, and for good reason. They’re super easy to grow and instantly brighten up any space with their yellow and orange blooms.

But here’s the interesting part - their smell. It’s slightly strong and not exactly a favourite for insects. And since lizards usually hang around where bugs are, fewer insects means fewer lizards dropping by.

Think of it as cutting off their food supply without doing much.

You can keep marigolds near windows, balconies, or any spot where you’ve noticed lizards before. Plus, they make your home look lively, so no complaints there.

Lavender is one of those plants people love for its relaxing fragrance. It’s often used in oils, candles, and even skincare.

But for lizards (and a lot of insects), that same smell is a bit too much.

Keeping a lavender plant near doors or windows can help keep bugs away, which again means lizards have fewer reasons to stick around. And as a bonus, your room ends up smelling like a spa.

Win-win.

Chrysanthemums are those full, colourful flowers that instantly lift up a space. But they’re not just about looks.

They contain natural compounds called pyrethrins, which are commonly used in insect repellents. So while you’re admiring the flowers, they’re quietly helping keep bugs away.

And you already know the pattern - less insects, less lizards.

They’re great for balconies or areas where insects tend to gather. Plus, they come in so many colours that they double up as décor.

If you want something simple and fuss-free, geraniums are a good pick.

They have a distinct smell - not overpowering for us, but enough to keep insects and small pests at a distance. And that naturally makes the space less inviting for lizards too.

They grow well in pots, don’t need too much attention, and add a soft, colourful touch to your home. Place them near windows or corners where you’ve seen lizards before.

Mint is usually known for its leaves (hello, chutney and mojitos), but when it flowers, it can actually help here too.

The smell of mint is strong and sharp - great for us, not so great for lizards. It’s one of those scents they tend to avoid.

The best part? Mint is ridiculously easy to grow. A small pot in your kitchen or balcony is enough. And you’ll always have fresh leaves handy for your chai or summer drinks.

It’s pretty simple, actually.

Lizards don’t randomly show up - they’re usually there because of insects. That’s their food. So when you bring in plants that naturally repel bugs, you’re making your home less attractive to them.

On top of that, strong smells like lavender or mint can be uncomfortable for them, so they tend to stay away from those areas.

These plants aren’t a magic fix. You won’t wake up tomorrow to a completely lizard-free house.

Think of them as helpers, not a full solution.

For best results, combine them with a few basic habits:

Keep your space clean
Don’t leave food crumbs around
Fix damp or moist corners
Seal small cracks or gaps in walls

Do this along with using these plants, and you’ll definitely notice fewer unwanted visitors over time.

Dealing with lizards is annoying, no doubt. But you don’t always need harsh chemicals to handle it.

Sometimes, a few smart additions - like the right plants - can make a real difference. They freshen up your space, look great, and quietly help with the problem.

So the next time you’re picking plants for your home, maybe choose ones that do a bit more than just sit pretty.

Because a house that smells good, looks good, and has fewer lizards? That’s honestly the goal.