How to Get Rid of Common House Geckos: A Comprehensive Guide

Common house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) are small, nocturnal lizards that are frequently found in warm climates around the world. While generally harmless and even beneficial by eating insects, their presence can be unsettling for some, and their droppings can be a nuisance. If you’re looking to reduce or eliminate the gecko population in and around your home, this comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions to help you achieve a gecko-free environment.

Understanding Common House Geckos

Before we delve into the methods of getting rid of them, it’s crucial to understand their behavior and habitat preferences. House geckos are drawn to areas with warmth, humidity, and a plentiful supply of insects. They are often found near lights, as these attract insects, which in turn attract the geckos. They can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices to enter your home.

Identifying Common House Geckos

* **Size:** Typically 3-6 inches long.
* **Color:** Pale pinkish-gray to light brown, often with spots.
* **Skin:** Soft, granular skin.
* **Toes:** Possess specialized toe pads with lamellae, enabling them to climb smooth surfaces.
* **Call:** A distinctive chirping or clicking sound.

Why Geckos Are in Your Home

* **Food Source:** Abundance of insects (mosquitoes, moths, flies, etc.).
* **Warmth:** Seeking refuge from cooler temperatures.
* **Shelter:** Hiding places provided by cracks, crevices, and clutter.
* **Humidity:** Drawn to humid environments, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

Effective Strategies for Gecko Removal and Prevention

Getting rid of geckos requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses their food source, habitat, and entry points. Here’s a detailed breakdown of effective strategies:

1. Reduce Their Food Source: Insect Control

Geckos are insectivores, so eliminating their food source is crucial. Here’s how to control insects around your home:

* **Install Insect Screens:** Ensure all windows and doors have well-maintained insect screens to prevent insects from entering. Repair any tears or holes promptly.

* **Use Insecticides (Sparingly):** If you choose to use insecticides, opt for targeted sprays or baits designed for specific insects. Be cautious when using insecticides, especially around children and pets. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Consider using natural alternatives like diatomaceous earth.

* **Eliminate Standing Water:** Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly empty containers, bird baths, and other sources of standing water around your property.

* **Keep Your Yard Clean:** Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris that can harbor insects.

* **Use Bug Zappers:** Bug zappers can help reduce the insect population around your home, but be mindful of attracting other insects as well.

* **Citronella Candles and Torches:** Citronella is a natural insect repellent. Use citronella candles or torches in outdoor areas.

* **Professional Pest Control:** If you have a significant insect infestation, consider hiring a professional pest control service.

2. Eliminate Hiding Places and Entry Points

Geckos need places to hide and enter your home. Sealing cracks and removing clutter will make your home less inviting.

* **Seal Cracks and Crevices:** Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, windows, and doors for cracks and crevices. Use caulk or sealant to seal these openings, preventing geckos from entering.

* **Repair Damaged Screens:** Repair or replace any damaged window or door screens. This is a common entry point for geckos.

* **Trim Vegetation:** Trim bushes, trees, and vines away from your home’s exterior. These can provide geckos with easy access to your roof and walls.

* **Remove Clutter:** Clear clutter from your yard, garage, and storage areas. Geckos often hide in piles of wood, rocks, and other debris.

* **Organize Storage:** Keep items in storage areas organized and off the floor. This will reduce the number of hiding places for geckos.

* **Seal Utility Openings:** Seal any openings around pipes, wires, and other utilities that enter your home.

* **Inspect and Seal Roof Vents:** Ensure roof vents are properly screened and sealed to prevent geckos from entering your attic.

3. Repellents and Deterrents

Various natural and chemical repellents can deter geckos from entering your home.

* **Mothballs:** Place mothballs in areas where geckos are commonly seen, such as closets, garages, and attics. The strong odor repels them, but be cautious as mothballs are toxic and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Enclose them in a breathable fabric or container.

* **Naphthalene Balls:** Similar to mothballs, naphthalene balls also act as a repellent. Use them in a similar manner, exercising the same precautions.

* **Pepper Spray or Powder:** Geckos are sensitive to pepper. Sprinkle pepper powder around entry points or use a pepper spray solution (diluted) to deter them. Be careful not to inhale the powder or spray, and avoid contact with your eyes.

* **Hot Sauce:** Diluted hot sauce can be sprayed around areas where geckos are seen. The capsaicin in hot sauce irritates them. Test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t stain surfaces.

* **Onion and Garlic:** The strong smell of onions and garlic is believed to repel geckos. Place sliced onions or garlic cloves near entry points or in areas where geckos are common. Replace them regularly as they dry out.

* **Pest Repellent Sprays (Gecko-Specific):** Look for commercially available gecko repellent sprays. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. These often contain natural oils that deter geckos.

* **Eggshells:** Some people believe that placing eggshells around the house scares geckos, as they associate the smell with predators. Place halves of eggshells in areas where geckos are seen. Replace them every few weeks.

* **Saffron and Turmeric Powder:** A mixture of saffron and turmeric powder can be sprinkled around entry points. The strong smell is thought to repel geckos.

4. Gecko Traps

Gecko traps can be used to capture and remove geckos from your home. These are generally considered a more humane option than some other methods.

* **Glue Traps:** These traps use a sticky surface to capture geckos. Place them in areas where geckos are commonly seen, such as along walls and near entry points. Check the traps regularly and release any captured geckos outdoors, preferably far from your home. Be extremely careful when using glue traps, as they can also trap other animals, including birds and pets. Use with extreme caution. Consider alternatives.

* **DIY Bottle Traps:** Create a simple trap using a plastic bottle. Cut the top off the bottle and invert it into the bottom, creating a funnel. Place some fruit or insects inside the bottle as bait. Geckos can enter the trap but may have difficulty escaping. Check the trap regularly and release any captured geckos outdoors.

* **Live Animal Traps:** Small live animal traps designed for rodents can sometimes be used to capture geckos. Bait the trap with insects or fruit. Check the trap regularly and release any captured geckos outdoors.

5. Natural Predators (Use with Caution)

Introducing natural predators can help control the gecko population, but this approach should be considered carefully, as it can have unintended consequences for the local ecosystem.

* **Cats:** Cats are natural predators of geckos. Allowing your cat to roam freely around your home and yard may help reduce the gecko population. However, keep in mind that cats can also hunt other animals, including birds and lizards.

* **Other Lizards:** Certain species of larger lizards may prey on geckos. However, introducing a non-native species can disrupt the local ecosystem. Research carefully before introducing any new species.

**Important Considerations:**

* **Ecological Impact:** Be mindful of the ecological impact of introducing predators or using harmful chemicals.
* **Pet Safety:** Ensure any methods you use are safe for your pets.
* **Humane Treatment:** Opt for humane methods of gecko removal whenever possible.

6. Adjust Lighting

Geckos are attracted to light because it attracts insects, their primary food source. Adjusting your lighting can help reduce their presence.

* **Reduce Outdoor Lighting:** Minimize the use of outdoor lights, especially bright lights that attract insects. Use motion-sensor lights instead of leaving lights on all night.

* **Use Yellow or Sodium Vapor Lights:** These types of lights are less attractive to insects than traditional white lights, which can reduce the gecko population around your home. Yellow “bug lights” are readily available.

* **Position Lights Away From the House:** If you need to use outdoor lights, position them away from your house to attract insects away from your walls and windows.

* **Close Curtains and Blinds:** At night, close curtains and blinds to prevent light from escaping your home and attracting insects (and geckos).

7. Maintain a Clean Environment

A clean and well-maintained home is less attractive to both insects and geckos. Regular cleaning can help prevent infestations.

* **Regular Cleaning:** Sweep, vacuum, and mop your floors regularly to remove crumbs, spills, and other food debris that can attract insects.

* **Clean Kitchen Regularly:** Pay special attention to cleaning your kitchen, as it is a common source of food for insects. Clean countertops, sinks, and stovetops after each use.

* **Empty Trash Cans Regularly:** Empty trash cans regularly to prevent odors and food scraps from attracting insects.

* **Keep Food Sealed:** Store food in airtight containers to prevent insects from accessing it.

* **Clean Up Spills Immediately:** Clean up any spills immediately to prevent them from attracting insects.

* **Declutter Regularly:** Regularly declutter your home to eliminate hiding places for insects and geckos.

8. Professional Pest Control

If you’ve tried the above methods and are still struggling with a gecko infestation, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively eliminate geckos and prevent them from returning.

* **Licensed and Insured:** Choose a pest control company that is licensed and insured.

* **Experience with Geckos:** Look for a company with experience in dealing with gecko infestations.

* **Treatment Plan:** Ask the company to provide a detailed treatment plan outlining the steps they will take to eliminate the geckos.

* **Warranty:** Ask about a warranty on their services.

* **References:** Check references from previous customers.

Important Considerations

* **Local Laws:** Be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding pest control.
* **Ecological Impact:** Consider the ecological impact of any methods you use.
* **Pet Safety:** Ensure that any methods you use are safe for your pets.
* **Humane Treatment:** Opt for humane methods of gecko removal whenever possible.

Conclusion

Getting rid of common house geckos requires a combination of strategies, including insect control, habitat modification, repellents, and traps. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively reduce the gecko population in and around your home and enjoy a gecko-free environment. Remember to be patient and persistent, as it may take time to see results. If you are unable to control the infestation on your own, consider seeking the help of a professional pest control service.