Geckos are small lizards of light brown to gray color that may sometimes appear transparent. They can vary in size depending on the age and species. All geckos have suction cup feet that help them walk up vertical surfaces.

Geckos are considered beneficial animals, feeding on many different insects and spiders. However, some homeowners cannot stand to have them near their homes. Geckos also have a way of sneaking into homes through cracks in doors, walls, and windows, which can be disturbing to some.

There are no pesticides labeled for geckos, the main way to control them is reduction of food sources. If you have geckos, you have insects of some type. Try turning porch lights off and closing curtains at night. Insects are attracted to lights, and geckos are attracted to insects. If this is impossible, make sure that cracks, door sweeps, doorframes, and window frames are sealed tightly. This will prevent geckos from entering the home. Plugging up weep holes with steel wool or copper wool will help keep them from invading home walls.

Collection of hatched gecko eggs inside decorative ceiling beam in home. Photo: TCE/sgh07

Sticky cards can also be effective. Place them around areas where you believe geckos are entering: widows, doors, cracks in walls. General insecticides to reduce insects can be slightly effective, however, most of the insects geckos are after are insects that only come to the home at night, when lights are on.

Remember, geckos are not harmful to humans. They do not bite, do not attack, and are harmless. They are beneficial animals, helping to reduce your pest population. If you have a severe gecko infestation, it is likely that you also have a severe insect infestation. Reduce their food source and they will leave in search of food.

IPM Program Specialist and Entomologist, Molly Keck
mekeck@ag.tamu.edu
3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212
San Antonio, Texas 78230
210/467-6575