How To Get Rid Of House Gecko

Do you have an uninvited guest in your home, leaving behind unsightly droppings and nighttime chirping? The house gecko, a small lizard that often seeks refuge indoors, can be a nuisance to many homeowners. While these creatures are generally harmless, their presence can be both irritating and unsanitary. Fear not, as there are several effective methods you can employ to humanely deter and eliminate these unwanted visitors.

Firstly, it’s important to understand why house geckos are attracted to your home in the first place. These lizards are primarily drawn to areas with ample food sources, such as insects and spiders. Therefore, the first step in gecko control is to eliminate these food sources by implementing effective pest control measures around your home. Additionally, geckos favor warm, humid environments, so ensuring good ventilation and addressing any moisture issues can help make your home less appealing to them.

In addition to addressing the underlying causes of gecko infestations, there are several direct methods you can use to remove geckos from your home. Setting out sticky traps or live traps can effectively capture these lizards without harming them. Alternatively, you can use a natural gecko repellent spray made from a mixture of essential oils that geckos find unpleasant, such as peppermint or cinnamon oil. Moreover, sealing any potential entry points, such as cracks or gaps in windows and doors, can help prevent future gecko infestations from occurring.

Identifying House Geckos

House geckos are small, slender lizards with a distinctive appearance. Here’s how to identify them:

**Physical Characteristics:**

Characteristic	Description
Body Length	2-4 inches
Body Shape	Slender and agile
Head	Triangular with large eyes
Feet	Toeless with adhesive pads
Tail	Long and thin, often with a broken appearance due to shedding

**Behavioral Patterns:**

Nocturnal: Gecos are most active at night, hunting for insects.
Climbers: They are skilled climbers and can be found high up on walls and ceilings.
Vocal: House geckos emit a distinctive chirping or clicking sound.
Light-sensitive: They are sensitive to light and will often retreat into dark corners or crevices when disturbed.

Eliminating Attractants

House geckos are attracted to insects, so eliminating insect attractants can reduce the number of geckos in your home. Seal up any cracks or holes in your walls and windows where insects can enter. Keep your kitchen clean of food debris and store food in airtight containers. Regularly empty your trash and keep your yard free of standing water, which can attract mosquitoes.

Eliminate Insect Hiding Places

Geckos are often found in areas where insects hide, such as under furniture, in closets, and in pantries. Regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove insect hiding places. Pay special attention to areas where insects are likely to congregate, such as around pet food bowls and in damp areas.

Control Insects With Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that can help you control insects without using harmful chemicals. These include:

Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass, have insect-repelling properties. You can diffuse these oils in your home or apply them to cotton balls and place them around areas where insects are present.
Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural insect repellent that can be used to clean surfaces and deter insects from entering your home. You can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it around potential insect entry points.
Citrus peels: The strong citrus scent of orange and lemon peels can repel insects. Place fresh citrus peels around your home or in areas where insects are present.

Method	Target Insect
Essential oils	Most insects
Vinegar	Ants, flies, mosquitoes
Citrus peels	Ants, cockroaches

Sealing Entry Points

Eliminating access points for house geckos is crucial for preventing their entry into your home. Conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify any potential entry routes, including:

Cracks and Crevices

Seal any gaps or cracks along walls, baseboards, window frames, and door frames using caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping. Pay close attention to areas where pipes or wires enter the house.

Holes and Vents

Inspect vents, pipes, and other openings around your home. Cover any holes with mesh or screening to prevent geckos from squeezing through. Consider using a rodent-proof vent cover for dryer and exhaust vents.

Door Sweeps and Gaps

Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to block gaps. Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or foam tape. Additionally, consider installing a door snake or draft stopper under doors to prevent geckos from crawling underneath.

Here’s a table summarizing the sealing methods for different entry points:

Entry Point	Sealing Method
Cracks and Crevices	Caulk, expanding foam, weatherstripping
Holes and Vents	Mesh, screening, rodent-proof vent covers
Door Sweeps and Gaps	Door sweeps, weatherstripping, foam tape, door snakes

Using Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents are electronic devices that emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but can be irritating to house geckos. These devices are typically plugged into an electrical outlet and emit a continuous stream of ultrasonic waves. The waves are designed to create an uncomfortable environment for geckos, making them want to leave the area.

Ultrasonic repellents are a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use method of repelling house geckos. However, it is important to note that these devices do not always work effectively. Some geckos may be able to tolerate the ultrasonic waves, while others may simply become accustomed to them over time.

If you are considering using an ultrasonic repellent to get rid of house geckos, it is important to choose a high-quality device from a reputable manufacturer. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for use and placement.

Here are some tips for using ultrasonic repellents to deter house geckos:

Place the device in an area where geckos are frequently seen.
Keep the device plugged in at all times.
Do not place the device near any electronic devices, as the ultrasonic waves can interfere with their operation.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Repellents	Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Repellents
Inexpensive	Doesn’t always work
Easy to use	Can be harmful to pets
No chemicals	May not be effective for all geckos

Employing Natural Remedies

Certain natural remedies have been anecdotally effective in deterring house geckos. Here are some common methods:

1. Essential Oils:

Geckos dislike the strong scent of certain essential oils, such as peppermint, cinnamon, and clove. Diffuse these oils in your home or apply a few drops to cotton balls and place them in areas where geckos frequent.

2. Garlic:

The pungent odor of garlic is said to repel geckos. Crush a few cloves of garlic and place them around your home, especially near entry points.

3. Coffee Grounds:

Sprinkle used coffee grounds around baseboards, windowsills, and other areas where geckos may enter. The rough texture and bitter smell may deter them.

4. Eggshells:

The sharp edges of eggshells can create an uncomfortable barrier for geckos. Crush eggshells and spread them around the perimeter of your home or in areas where geckos are commonly seen.

5. Mothballs and Naphthalene:

Mothballs and naphthalene balls contain chemicals that are toxic to geckos. Place them in small containers and position them in areas where geckos hide or frequent. Warning: Mothballs and naphthalene can be harmful to humans and pets. Use them with caution and keep them out of reach of children and animals.

Remedy	Method
Peppermint oil	Diffuse or apply to cotton balls
Garlic	Crush and place around the home
Coffee grounds	Sprinkle around entry points
Eggshells	Crush and spread around the perimeter
Mothballs/Naphthalene	Place in small containers in hiding spots (use with caution)

Maintaining a Clean Environment

Geckos are attracted to food and water, so keeping your home clean is essential to discouraging them. Here are some specific tips:

1. Keep food covered

Store food in airtight containers or the refrigerator to prevent geckos from finding it.

2. Clean up crumbs and spills

Wipe up spills and sweep or vacuum crumbs to eliminate potential food sources.

3. Seal up cracks and holes

Geckos can enter your home through even the smallest cracks and holes. Seal them with caulk or expanding foam to prevent entry.

4. Keep your yard free of debris

Geckos can hide in piles of leaves, wood, or other debris. Keep your yard clean to reduce their hiding places.

5. Reduce humidity

Geckos prefer humid environments. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioning to reduce humidity levels in your home.

6. Keep your pets’ food and water bowls clean

Pet food and water bowls can attract geckos. Wash them regularly to prevent infestation.

7. Use natural repellents

Certain scents, such as cinnamon, peppermint, and cloves, are known to repel geckos. Place these scents around potential entry points or use them in diffusers or candles.

Scent	Method of Use
Cinnamon	Sprinkle around entry points, place in sachets, or use in a diffuser
Peppermint	Plant peppermint around your home, use peppermint oil in a diffuser, or sprinkle peppermint leaves around entry points
Cloves	Place cloves in a bowl or sachet near entry points, or simmer cloves in water on the stove

Seeking Professional Assistance

Professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions to eliminate house geckos effectively. They have the expertise and tools to identify the infestation’s source and implement targeted strategies for long-lasting results.

Here’s what to expect from professional assistance:

1. Inspection: A thorough inspection of your property to identify gecko hiding spots, entry points, and potential nesting areas.

2. Assessment: Determining the severity of the infestation and developing a tailored treatment plan based on the specific needs of your home.

3. Treatment: Using safe and effective methods such as traps, baits, repellents, and exclusion techniques to remove geckos.

4. Prevention: Implementing measures to seal entry points, eliminate attractants, and prevent future gecko infestations.

5. Follow-up: Regular visits or monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and prevent re-infestations.

Professional pest control services provide a comprehensive approach to gecko removal, ensuring lasting results and peace of mind.

Benefits of Professional Assistance

The table below highlights the benefits of seeking professional assistance for house gecko removal:

Benefit	Description
Expertise and experience	Trained professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in gecko control.
Targeted solutions	Tailored treatment plans based on the specific needs of your property.
Safe and effective methods	Use of safe and effective techniques to eliminate geckos without harm to people or pets.
Long-lasting results	Comprehensive approaches that address the root cause of the infestation and prevent future problems.
Peace of mind	Assurance that your home is free from geckos and the associated risks.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve successfully eradicated geckos from your home, it’s crucial to implement preventative measures to avoid future infestations:

1. Seal Entry Points:

Inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines. Seal these openings with caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping to prevent geckos from entering.

2. Remove Food Sources:

Eliminate any potential food sources for geckos, such as pet food, crumbs, and spills. Store food in airtight containers and keep surfaces clean to discourage geckos from seeking shelter inside your home.

3. Reduce Humidity:

Geckos prefer humid environments, so try to reduce moisture levels by using a dehumidifier, repairing leaky faucets, and ventilating moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Keep Yards Tidy:

Remove piles of leaves, wood, or debris from your yard, as these can create hiding places for geckos. Trim overgrown vegetation around your home to eliminate sheltered areas.

5. Use Repellents:

Certain scents and substances can deter geckos. Place natural repellents like cinnamon, cloves, or peppermint oil around entry points. You can also use commercial gecko repellents available at hardware stores.

6. Install Lighting:

Geckos are nocturnal, so installing outdoor lighting can help deter them from approaching your home at night.

7. Keep Pets Indoors:

Pets can attract geckos by providing them with food or water. Keep pets indoors at night to minimize the chances of encounters with geckos.

8. Use Traps:

You can set live traps baited with food or water to humanely catch any geckos that may have entered your home after sealing entry points.

9. Professional Pest Control:

If you are unable to control gecko infestations on your own, consider contacting a professional pest control company. They can use specialized methods and techniques to eliminate geckos and prevent future infestations.

Gecko Control Method	Effectiveness	Ease of Implementation
Sealing Entry Points	High	Moderate
Removing Food Sources	High	Easy
Reducing Humidity	Moderate	Moderate

Additional Tips for Eradication

In addition to the primary methods outlined above, consider the following additional tips to enhance your eradication efforts:

1. **Identify Entry Points**: Inspect your home thoroughly for cracks, gaps, or holes that may serve as entry points for geckos. Seal these openings with caulk or expanding foam to prevent further infestation.

2. **Eliminate Water Sources**: Geckos require water to survive. Eliminate potential water sources such as leaky faucets, pet water bowls, or damp areas to discourage their presence.

3. **Use Ultrasonic Repellents**: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to geckos and can deter them from entering your home. However, these devices may not be effective for all individuals.

4. **Set Traps**: Place glue traps or live traps near areas where geckos are commonly seen. These traps can capture geckos without harming them, allowing you to release them outside.

5. **Use Essential Oils**: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint or Eucalyptus, have repulsive properties that can keep geckos away. Diffuse these oils or apply them to cotton balls and place them in areas where geckos frequent.

6. **Clean Regularly**: Regularly clean your home, especially areas where food or crumbs accumulate. This will reduce the presence of attractants that may lure geckos inside.

7. **Remove Hiding Places**: Eliminate potential hiding spots for geckos, such as piles of clothes, boxes, or clutter. Keep your home organized and tidy to reduce their ability to find shelter.

8. **Use Natural Predators**: Introduce natural predators of geckos, such as cats or snakes, into your home. These animals will hunt and consume geckos, effectively reducing their population.

9. **Contact a Professional**: If you are unable to eliminate geckos on your own, consider contacting a professional pest control company. They have access to specialized equipment and techniques that can effectively address severe infestations.

10. **Integrated Pest Management (IPM)**: Employ an integrated approach to pest management by combining different methods to target geckos from multiple angles. This strategy ensures a more comprehensive and effective eradication effort.