foto: YouTube/@jangyaya
Brilio.net - Geckos are the animals that most often sneak into homes. Although they don't bite, their presence is annoying, especially if they crawl on the dining table or kitchen area. Their droppings that can fall onto food or cooking utensils also carry the risk of carrying bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which causes diarrhea and typhus. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people want to get rid of geckos from their homes as soon as possible.
Instead of using complicated chemicals, it turns out you can make a lizard trap using two simple kitchen ingredients: coffee and granulated sugar. The method is super easy, even used food jars can be used!
Steps to make a lizard trapQuoted from BrilioFood from the YouTube account @jangyaya, here's how to make a gecko trap:
1. Prepare a used jar
Find an old jar that is no longer used. Make sure it is big enough to be a lizard's "prison".
photo: YouTube/@jangyaya
2. Mix Coffee and Sugar
- Dissolve 1 sachet of ground coffee with hot water. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to the coffee solution. Stir again until the sugar dissolves.
photo: YouTube/@jangyaya
photo: YouTube/@jangyaya
3. Pour into a jar, place in a strategic spot
Transfer the coffee and sugar mixture into a jar. Place it in an area where lizards often pass, such as near a lamp, a corner of a wall, or behind a cupboard.
photo: YouTube/@jangyaya
4. Wait for the results!
The lizards will be attracted to the sweet smell of sugar, but they wont be able to escape because of the sticky texture of the coffee. According to thespruce.com, lizards also hate the strong smell of coffee, so theyll get trapped and die inside the jar.
photo: YouTube/@jangyaya
5. Dispose of Safely
Once the gecko is trapped (usually within 2-3 hours), close the jar tightly and throw it straight into the trash.
Why are coffee and sugar effective?The combination of coffee and sugar works like a natural poison. Sugar attracts lizards, while the caffeine in coffee is toxic to their nervous system. Plus, the sharp aroma of coffee makes lizards uncomfortable to linger in the area.
Additional Tips:
- Use a clear jar to make it easy to monitor the results.
- If you don't have a jar, a thick plastic cup can also be an alternative.
- Clean up leftover food in the house regularly to prevent the lizards from coming back.
1. Can you replace sugar with other ingredients, such as honey?
Yes! You can replace sugar with honey or sweet syrup. But make sure the mixture remains thick so that the lizards can easily get trapped. The sweet aroma is still the main attraction.
2. Is this trap safe to place near food or cooking areas?
It's safe. Because the ingredients used are natural (coffee and sugar), the risk of chemical contamination is low. But it's best to place the trap in a corner that is not directly close to food, such as behind a cupboard or near a wall.
3. How long do lizards usually stay trapped?
Usually within 2-3 hours the gecko has entered the trap. It depends on how active the gecko is in the area. If there is no result within 6 hours, try changing the mixture to a more concentrated one or moving the trap location.
4. If there is no coffee, what ingredients can be used as a substitute?
You can use cinnamon or clove powder. Their strong aroma is also hated by lizards. Mix them with sugar or honey as bait, then put them in an open container.
5. How do you clean a jar used as a lizard trap?
Wear gloves, dump the contents of the jar into a closed trash can. Wash the jar with hot water and soap to remove any remaining coffee aroma. If you want to be more practical, throw the jar away immediately.
(brl/tin)
