Get Rid Of Geckos: Humane & Natural Methods

Having tiny geckos scurrying around your home can be a mixed bag. On one hand, they're natural pest control, gobbling up insects and spiders. But on the other, their droppings and constant presence can be a nuisance. So, how do you strike a balance or, if necessary, gently evict these little reptiles? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dealing with common house geckos, from identifying them to implementing effective and humane removal strategies.

Identifying Common House Geckos

Before you start any removal process, it's essential to know what you're dealing with. Common house geckos, often seen in warm climates, are small, nocturnal reptiles. These little guys are typically light brown or pinkish in color, with translucent skin and bumpy scales. One telltale sign of their presence is their droppings – small, black pellets with a white tip. You might also hear their distinctive chirping or clicking sounds, especially at night. Identifying them correctly ensures you're using the right approach, as different gecko species may have different habits and sensitivities.

Understanding Gecko Behavior and Habits

To effectively manage geckos, understanding their behavior and habits is key. Geckos are primarily nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. They're attracted to light sources, which in turn attract insects – their primary food source. You'll often find them near windows, porch lights, and other illuminated areas. Geckos are also excellent climbers, thanks to specialized toe pads that allow them to stick to almost any surface. They prefer warm, humid environments and can often be found in cracks, crevices, and other sheltered spots. This knowledge will help you target your removal efforts more effectively.

Why Geckos Might Be in Your Home

Geckos enter homes for a few primary reasons: food, shelter, and warmth. If your home has a plentiful supply of insects, it's an attractive buffet for geckos. Cracks and crevices in walls, ceilings, and foundations provide ideal hiding spots and shelter from predators. During colder months, geckos may seek the warmth of your home to escape the elements. Understanding these motivations is crucial for preventing future infestations. By addressing these factors, you can make your home less appealing to geckos and reduce the likelihood of them returning.

Natural and Humane Gecko Removal Methods

When it comes to gecko removal, the goal should always be humane. There are several natural and gentle methods you can try before resorting to harsh chemicals or traps. These methods focus on making your home less inviting to geckos without harming them.

Making Your Home Less Inviting

• Reduce Insect Population: Geckos are in your home for the insects. So, controlling the insect population is the first step. Use insect screens on windows and doors, repair any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior, and consider using natural insect repellents. Reducing their food source will naturally deter geckos.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Geckos, like many animals, need water to survive. Eliminate any sources of standing water in and around your home, such as leaky faucets, puddles, or pet water bowls. This will make your home less attractive to them.
• Seal Entry Points: Geckos can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. Seal up any cracks, crevices, or holes in your walls, foundations, and around pipes. This will prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
• Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract geckos. Use yellow or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects, or simply turn off unnecessary outdoor lights. This will reduce the gecko’s food source and make your home less appealing.

Natural Repellents

• Pepper Spray: A mild solution of pepper spray can deter geckos. Mix pepper with water and spray it in areas where geckos frequent. Be cautious when using this method, as pepper spray can irritate eyes and skin.
• Naphthalene Balls (Mothballs): The strong odor of naphthalene balls can repel geckos. Place them in areas where geckos are common, but keep them out of reach of children and pets. Naphthalene is toxic if ingested.
• Onion and Garlic: Geckos are repelled by the strong smell of onions and garlic. Place slices of onion or cloves of garlic in areas where you've seen geckos. Replace them regularly as they lose their potency.
• Eggshells: Some people swear by the effectiveness of eggshells as a gecko repellent. Place halved eggshells in areas where geckos frequent; the smell is believed to deter them. Replace the shells every few weeks.

Gecko Traps and Relocation

If natural repellents aren't doing the trick, you might consider using traps. However, it's crucial to use humane traps that won't harm the geckos.

• Sticky Traps: These traps use a sticky surface to catch geckos. Place them in areas where geckos are common, but be sure to check them regularly. Once a gecko is caught, you can release it by pouring vegetable oil over the sticky surface.
• Live Traps: Some traps are designed to capture geckos without harming them. These traps usually involve a one-way entry system and a food lure. Once captured, you can relocate the gecko to a suitable outdoor habitat.

Preventing Future Gecko Infestations

Once you've removed the geckos from your home, the next step is to prevent them from returning. This involves a combination of eliminating attractants and maintaining a gecko-unfriendly environment.

Maintaining a Gecko-Unfriendly Environment

• Regular Cleaning: A clean home is less attractive to pests, including geckos. Regularly clean and declutter your home, paying special attention to areas where insects might hide. This will reduce the gecko’s food source and hiding spots.
• Landscaping: Trim bushes and plants around your home to reduce hiding places for geckos and insects. Keep your yard clean and free of debris. This will make your property less attractive to geckos.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of garbage properly and regularly. Keep trash cans tightly sealed to prevent attracting insects, which in turn attract geckos. Proper waste management is crucial for pest control.
• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for cracks, holes, and other potential entry points. Seal any openings promptly to prevent geckos and other pests from entering. Early detection and prevention are key to long-term pest control.

When to Call a Professional

While most gecko infestations can be managed with DIY methods, there are situations where professional help is necessary. If you have a severe infestation, or if you're unable to identify the source of the problem, it's best to consult with a pest control professional. They can assess the situation, identify the root cause of the infestation, and recommend the most effective course of action. Additionally, if you're uncomfortable handling geckos or using certain removal methods, a professional can provide safe and humane solutions.

Conclusion

Dealing with geckos in your home can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and approach, it's entirely manageable. By understanding gecko behavior, implementing natural removal methods, and taking preventive measures, you can keep these little reptiles at bay. Remember, the key is to create an environment that is less attractive to geckos without resorting to harmful methods. Whether you choose to gently evict them or coexist peacefully, this guide provides you with the tools you need to handle common house geckos effectively. And hey, if all else fails, just think of them as tiny, scaly roommates who help keep the insect population down!