Spotting geckos in your home can be an unsettling experience, especially in large numbers. These small, agile lizards can be difficult to locate and remove, and their droppings can pose a health hazard. To effectively eliminate geckos from your house, it’s crucial to understand their behaviors, identify their entry points, and implement a comprehensive strategy for removal.
Before attempting to remove geckos, it’s essential to ensure your safety and avoid causing harm to the animals. Most gecko species are harmless to humans, but they may bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Wear protective gloves and handle them gently, avoiding direct contact with their mouths or eyes. Additionally, geckos are cold-blooded animals that are sensitive to temperature changes. Keep the environment warm and avoid using harsh chemicals or traps that could cause injury or distress.
Signs of a Gecko Infestation
Droppings
Gecko droppings are small, dark, and oval-shaped. They often have a white or yellowish urate streak running through them. Gecko droppings can be found on surfaces near where the geckos are hiding, such as in corners, under furniture, and in attics. The presence of droppings is a sure sign that you have a gecko infestation.
Gecko Tracks
Gecko tracks are small, oval-shaped, and have five toes. They can be found on dusty surfaces, such as floors, countertops, and walls. Gecko tracks are often accompanied by droppings, so if you see tracks, be sure to look for droppings as well.
Gecko Skin
Geckos shed their skin regularly. The shed skin is thin and translucent, and it can be found on surfaces near where the geckos are hiding. Shed skin is a sign that the geckos are actively reproducing, so if you see shed skin, it is important to take steps to control the infestation.
In addition to the signs listed above, you may also see geckos themselves. Geckos are small, lizard-like creatures with long tails. They are typically brown or gray in color, and they have large eyes. Geckos are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. If you see a gecko during the day, it is likely that there are more geckos hiding in your home.
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Droppings | Small, dark, and oval-shaped with a white or yellowish urate streak |
| Tracks | Small, oval-shaped, and have five toes |
| Skin | Thin and translucent |
| Live geckos | Small, lizard-like creatures with long tails and large eyes |
Sealing Entry Points and Cracks
One of the most effective ways to keep geckos out of your house is to seal any potential entry points. This includes gaps and cracks around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. You can use a variety of materials to seal these openings, such as caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping.
If you’re not sure how to look for sealing points, here’s some tips:
- Inspect your home’s exterior for any cracks or gaps. Pay special attention to areas around windows, doors, pipes, and vents.
- Look for openings around utility lines, such as cable or phone lines. These can provide geckos with an easy way to enter your home.
- Check for gaps around chimneys and vents. These openings can also provide entry points for geckos.
Sealing entry points is one of the best ways to prevent geckos from entering your home. By taking the time to seal up any openings, you can help to keep these pests out and protect your family.
Applying Natural Repellents
Using natural repellents is a safe and effective way to deter geckos from entering your home. Here are some common and effective natural repellents for geckos:
Coffee Grounds
Geckos dislike the strong smell of coffee grounds. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around areas where geckos are commonly seen, such as entryways, cracks, and crevices.
Garlic
Garlic is another effective gecko repellent. Crush a few cloves of garlic and place them in areas where geckos like to hide or enter your home.
Onion
Similar to garlic, onions have a pungent smell that deters geckos. Slice an onion into thin pieces and place them around potential gecko entry points.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known for its strong and refreshing scent that repels geckos. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water and spray it around areas where geckos are present.
Citrus Peels
| Type | Repellent Use |
|---|---|
| Lemon | Peel and scatter the peels around potential entry points. |
| Orange | Place orange peels in areas where geckos hide, such as under furniture or in cabinets. |
| Grapefruit | Sprinkle the inner white part of grapefruit peels around entryways and cracks. |
Contacting Professional Pest Control
If you’ve been unable to remove geckos on your own, contacting a professional pest control company is a wise decision. These professionals are trained and equipped to handle gecko infestations effectively and safely.
When reaching out to a professional, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Details about the gecko sighting, including location and frequency
- A description of any entry points or potential hiding places
- Your preferred method of treatment
Choosing a Professional
When selecting a pest control company, consider their:
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Treatment Options
Professional pest control companies typically offer a range of treatment options, including:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Trapping | Using live traps or glue boards |
| Chemical treatment | Applying insecticides or repellents |
| Exclusion | Sealing entry points and eliminating hiding places |
| Ultrasonic devices | Emitting high-frequency sounds to deter geckos |
The best treatment plan will depend on the severity of the infestation and the specific environment.
Safely Removing Geckos Indoors
Geckos are small, harmless lizards that often find their way into homes. While they are not typically a problem, they can be a nuisance if they start to multiply. If you find yourself with a gecko problem, there are a few things you can do to safely remove them from your home.
1. Seal Up Entry Points
The first step is to seal up any holes or cracks that the geckos may be using to enter your home. This includes cracks around windows and doors, as well as any holes in the foundation or walls. You can use caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping to seal up these openings.
2. Remove Food Sources
Geckos are attracted to food, so one of the best ways to get rid of them is to remove their food sources. This includes pet food, crumbs, and other food debris. Keep your kitchen clean and free of spills, and make sure to store pet food in airtight containers.
3. Set Traps
There are a few different types of traps that you can use to catch geckos. Sticky traps are a popular option, but they can be difficult to remove once the gecko is caught. Live traps are a more humane option, and they can be baited with food or water.
4. Use Repellents
There are a few different repellents that you can use to discourage geckos from entering your home. These repellents typically contain ingredients that geckos find unpleasant, such as mothballs or cinnamon.
5. Call a Professional
If you are unable to remove the geckos on your own, you may need to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the type of gecko you have and recommend the best course of action for removal.
6. Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is less attractive to geckos. Vacuum and sweep regularly, and don’t leave food or water out overnight.
7. Use Natural Predators
Geckos are preyed upon by snakes, owls, and cats. If you have any of these animals around your home, they may be able to help you keep the gecko population under control.
8. Humane Gecko Removal
Once you have caught a gecko, the best way to remove it is to release it outdoors. To do this, gently place the gecko in a container with a lid and poke holes in the lid for air. Then, take the container outside and release the gecko in a safe location, such as a park or forest.
| Steps for Humane Gecko Removal |
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Additional Tips and Considerations
Here are some additional tips and considerations to keep in mind when trying to get rid of geckos from your house:
1. Seal Entry Points
One of the best ways to keep geckos out is to seal up any potential entry points. Geckos can squeeze through very small openings, so pay close attention to any cracks or holes around your windows, doors, and pipes. You can seal these gaps with caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping.
2. Remove Attractants
Geckos are attracted to insects, so one way to discourage them from hanging around is to remove any sources of food. This includes cleaning up any crumbs or pet food, and keeping garbage cans tightly sealed.
3. Use Deterrents
There are a number of natural and commercial deterrents that you can use to keep geckos away. Some of the most effective include:
- Peppermint oil: Geckos hate the smell of peppermint, so you can diffuse it in your home or spray it around entry points.
- Coffee grounds: Geckos are also repelled by the smell of coffee, so you can sprinkle some around your home.
- Garlic: Another gecko deterrent is garlic. You cancrush some garlic cloves and place them in a bowl of water, then set it near potential entry points.
4. Trap and Release
If you can’t seem to get rid of the geckos on your own, you can try trapping and releasing them. There are a number of different traps available, but one of the most effective is a glue trap. Simply place the trap in an area where you’ve seen geckos, and wait for them to get caught. Once you’ve caught a gecko, take it outside and release it far away from your home.
5. Call a Professional
If all else fails, you may need to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the source of the infestation and recommend the best course of action.
How To Get Geckos Out Of House
Geckos are common household pests that can be a nuisance. They can crawl on your walls, ceilings, and floors, and they can even get into your food. If you have a gecko problem, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
One of the best ways to get rid of geckos is to seal up any cracks or holes in your home. This will prevent them from getting inside in the first place. You can also try using a gecko repellent. These repellents are available in a variety of forms, such as sprays, powders, and granules. They work by creating a barrier that geckos don’t like to cross.
If you have a gecko infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company. They can help you identify the source of the infestation and develop a plan to get rid of the geckos.
People Also Ask About How To Get Geckos Out Of House
Do geckos bite?
Yes, geckos can bite, but their bites are not typically harmful to humans. Gecko bites may cause a small amount of pain and swelling, but they are not venomous.
Are geckos poisonous?
No, geckos are not poisonous. They do not have any venom or other toxins that can harm humans.
What do geckos eat?
Geckos eat a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, and flies. They also eat small lizards and frogs.
