How to Get Rid of Common House Geckos

House geckos, also known as lizards, are small, typically nocturnal reptiles that can be a nuisance if they invade your home. While they are generally harmless and even beneficial in some ecosystems due to their insect-eating habits, having them inside your house can be unsettling. Fortunately, there are effective methods to rid your home of these little intruders.

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Understanding House Geckos

Before tackling the problem, it helps to understand house geckos. They are attracted to homes for several reasons:

Understanding House Geckos

Food Sources

Geckos feed on insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders. If your home has an abundance of these pests, it will attract geckos.

Shelter

Geckos seek shelter in homes to escape predators and harsh weather conditions.

Light

Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract geckos.

Preventative Measures

The best way to deal with house geckos is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for any cracks or openings through which geckos can enter. Pay close attention to windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these gaps.

Reduce Outdoor Lighting

Reduce Outdoor Lighting

Since geckos are drawn to insects, and insects are attracted to light, reducing outdoor lighting can help. Use yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects.

Manage Insects

Reducing the insect population around your home is key. Use insecticides, traps, or natural predators like ladybugs to keep insect numbers down.

Natural Repellents

If geckos have already entered your home, consider natural repellents:

Eggshells

Scatter eggshells around entry points and areas where you’ve seen geckos. They dislike the texture and will avoid these areas.

Garlic and Onion

Place slices of garlic and onion in strategic locations. The strong smell is off-putting to geckos

Garlic and Onion

Coffee and Tobacco Balls

Mix coffee grounds and tobacco, then shape them into small balls. Place these in areas frequented by geckos. The smell repels them, and ingestion is harmful.

Trapping and Relocation

Traps are a humane way to deal with geckos:

Glue Traps

Place glue traps in areas where geckos are active. Once caught, release them far from your home

Bottle Trap

Create a simple trap using a plastic bottle. Cut off the top, invert it, and place bait inside. Geckos will enter but struggle to escape.

Chemical Repellents

As a last resort, use chemical repellents designed for reptiles. These can be effective but should be used with caution, especially in homes with pets or children.

Professional Pest Control

If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, professional pest control might be necessary. Pest control experts can identify entry points, remove geckos, and provide long-term solutions to keep them out.

Maintaining a Gecko-Free Home

After removing geckos, follow these steps to ensure they don’t return:

Regular Cleaning

 Keep your home clean and free of food scraps. Vacuum regularly to remove insect eggs and larvae.

Monitor Entry Points

 Regularly inspect and maintain seals on windows and doors.

Outdoor Maintenance

Trim vegetation near your home and remove debris that can serve as hiding spots for insects and geckos.

Conclusion

House geckos can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can effectively get rid of them and prevent their return. By sealing entry points, reducing outdoor lighting, managing insect populations, and using natural repellents or traps, you can enjoy a gecko-free home. If all else fails, professional pest control can provide the necessary expertise to address the problem.

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