>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, have you ever experienced the presence of geckos inside your house? Geckos are a common sight in many Indonesian households, but some people find them annoying, especially when they make loud noises at night or leave droppings on walls and floors. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of geckos without harming them, read on to learn more!
What are geckos?
Geckos are small lizards that are common in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. There are many species of geckos, but the most common one in Indonesia is the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). Geckos are known for their distinctive chirping sound, which they use to communicate with each other.
Geckos are beneficial animals to have around the house because they eat insects such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. However, some people find their presence undesirable.
Why do geckos enter houses?
Geckos enter houses for various reasons, such as seeking shelter, food, and water. They are attracted to warm and humid environments, which are common in many Indonesian homes.
Geckos can enter houses through small cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and walls. They can also climb walls using their sticky toe pads, which allow them to cling to almost any surface.
How do geckos affect human health?
Geckos do not pose any serious health risks to humans. However, their droppings can cause stains on walls and floors and may emit an unpleasant odor if left untreated for a long time.
Some people may also be allergic to gecko droppings, which can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. In rare cases, geckos may carry disease-causing bacteria and parasites that can infect humans.
20 Ways to get rid of geckos
1. Keep your house clean and dry
Geckos are attracted to food crumbs, spills, and standing water. To discourage them from entering your house, keep your kitchen and dining area clean and dry. Wipe spills immediately and store food in sealed containers.
Fix leaky pipes and faucets to prevent water accumulation, as geckos need water to survive. Clean your bathroom regularly to remove soap scum and other residues that may attract insects and geckos.
2. Seal cracks and gaps
Geckos can enter your house through small cracks and gaps in doors, windows, walls, and ceilings. To prevent their entry, seal these openings with caulk, weatherstripping, or foam insulation.
Inspect your house regularly for new openings and repair them promptly. Use door sweeps and thresholds to seal gaps under doors, and install screens on windows and vents to keep geckos out.
3. Use repellents
There are various natural and chemical repellents that can deter geckos from entering your house. Some of these include:
| Repellent | How to use |
|---|---|
| Mothballs | Place them around gecko hotspots, but keep them away from kids and pets as they are toxic if ingested. |
| Coffee grounds | Spread them around gecko hotspots, as geckos dislike the scent of coffee. |
| Tabasco sauce | Mix it with water and spray it on walls and surfaces where geckos gather. |
| Naphthalene balls | Place them in open containers or sachets and put them in gecko hotspots, but keep them away from kids and pets as they are toxic if ingested. |
| Pepper spray | Mix it with water and spray it on walls and surfaces where geckos gather. |
4. Use sticky traps
Sticky traps are paper or cardboard sheets coated with a sticky substance that can trap geckos and other small animals. Place them in gecko hotspots, such as walls, ceilings, and corners, and check them regularly.
Be careful when handling sticky traps, as they may also catch unintended animals, such as birds, bats, and insects. Dispose of them properly to avoid harming wildlife.
5. Install ultrasonic devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to geckos and can deter them from entering your house. Install them in gecko hotspots, but keep in mind that they may also affect other animals and humans.
Ultrasonic devices are not proven to be effective in getting rid of geckos, but some people claim that they work.
6. Use natural predators
Some animals, such as cats, snakes, and birds, are natural predators of geckos and can help control their population. If you have a pet cat or a backyard birdhouse, you may notice fewer geckos around your house.
However, be aware that introducing new animals to your household may also bring new problems and risks, such as allergies, diseases, and conflicts with other pets and wildlife.
7. Turn off lights at night
Geckos are attracted to light sources, such as lamps, bulbs, and screens. Turning off unnecessary lights at night can reduce the chances of geckos entering your house.
If you need to use lights at night, consider using yellow or red bulbs, which are less attractive to insects and geckos than white or blue bulbs.
8. Use citrus fruits
Geckos dislike the smell of citrus fruits, such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit. Use their peels or essential oils to create a citrus scent around your house.
You can also squeeze the juice of citrus fruits and spray it on walls and surfaces where geckos gather. However, avoid spraying it on food or edible plants, as it may affect their taste and quality.
9. Use vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile household ingredient that can be used for cleaning and pest control. Geckos dislike the smell and taste of vinegar, which can repel them from your house.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it on walls, surfaces, and floors where geckos gather. However, avoid spraying it on natural stone surfaces, such as marble and granite, as it may damage them over time.
10. Use essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have various therapeutic and aromatic properties. Some essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, can repel geckos and other pests.
Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it on walls and surfaces where geckos gather. You can also use diffusers or candles to spread the scent of essential oils around your house.
11. Use garlic and onions
Garlic and onions are pungent vegetables that have many health benefits and culinary uses. They also have a strong smell that can repel geckos and other pests.
Crush garlic and onions and place them in gecko hotspots, such as walls, ceilings, and corners. You can also mix them with water and spray the solution on walls and surfaces.
12. Use neem oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is derived from neem trees. It has many medicinal and cosmetic uses and can also repel geckos and other pests.
Mix neem oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it on walls and surfaces where geckos gather. Neem oil may also repel other insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, and bed bugs.
13. Use netting
Geckos can climb walls and ceilings using their sticky toe pads. To prevent their movement, use netting or mesh on open spaces, such as balconies, verandas, and windows.
Netting can also prevent other pests, such as birds and rodents, from entering your house. However, make sure to use a durable and weather-resistant material that can withstand the wind and rain.
14. Use plastic bottles
Plastic bottles are a simple and affordable way to create a gecko trap. Cut the top of a plastic bottle and invert it so that it forms a funnel. Place some bait, such as a piece of fruit, inside the bottle and wait for geckos to enter.
Once geckos enter the bottle, they will find it difficult to climb out due to its smooth and slippery surface. You can release them outside or dispose of them humanely.
15. Use moth orchids
Moth orchids are ornamental plants that have a unique structure that resembles the body of female geckos. This can attract male geckos and confuse them, making them less likely to mate and reproduce.
Place moth orchids in gecko hotspots, such as windows, balconies, and verandas. Moth orchids require minimal care and can also improve the air quality and aesthetics of your house.
16. Use sound therapy
Sound therapy is a non-invasive and holistic approach to healing and relaxation. Some sound therapists claim that certain frequencies of sound can disrupt the communication and behavior of geckos and other pests.
You can use sound therapy devices, such as singing bowls, tuning forks, and gongs, to create a harmonious and calming environment in your house. However, the effectiveness of sound therapy in getting rid of geckos is not scientifically proven.
17. Use decoys
Decoys are artificial replicas of animals that can deceive and deter geckos and other pests. Some decoys, such as gecko stickers and statues, can make geckos think that there is already a dominant gecko in your house.
Place decoys in gecko hotspots, such as walls, ceilings, and corners. Decoys can also add a decorative and playful touch to your house.
18. Use habits
Geckos are creatures of habit and tend to return to the same spots in your house. By observing their behavior and patterns, you can predict and prevent their entry.
For example, if you notice that geckos gather around your porch light, you can turn it off or replace it with a less attractive one. If you notice that geckos crawl into your bed at night, you can place a mosquito net around it.
19. Use humor
Laughter is the best medicine, and some people find that humor can help them cope with their fear and anxiety of geckos. By laughing at the absurdity and cuteness of geckos, you can reduce their negative impact on your life.
You can watch funny videos or memes of geckos, create cartoon or caricature drawings of geckos, or tell jokes and puns about geckos with your friends and family.
20. Use acceptance
Acceptance is the ultimate solution to any problem, including geckos. By accepting the fact that geckos are a natural and harmless part of Indonesian biodiversity, you can learn to coexist with them and appreciate their beauty and diversity.
You can also educate yourself and your community about the importance of biodiversity and conservation, and how geckos and other wildlife can contribute to the balance and resilience of the ecosystem.
FAQ
Q: Are geckos dangerous?
A: Geckos do not pose any serious threats to human health. However, their droppings can cause stains and odor, and their presence can be annoying to some people.
Q: Can geckos bite or attack humans?
A: Geckos are not aggressive animals and rarely bite or attack humans. However, they may bite in self-defense or when startled, and their bite can cause minor pain and swelling.
Q: Do geckos carry diseases?
A: Geckos may carry disease-causing bacteria and parasites that can infect humans. However, the risk of transmission is low, as geckos rarely come into direct contact with humans.
Q: Can geckos regrow their tails?
A: Yes, geckos can regrow their tails after losing them as a defense mechanism. The regenerated tail may look different from the original one and may have less structural and functional abilities.
Q: Are geckos protected by law?
A: Yes, geckos and other wildlife are protected by Indonesian law, such as the Law No. 5/1990 on Conservation of Living Resources and their Ecosystems. It is illegal to capture, kill, trade, or export geckos and other wildlife without proper permits and licenses from relevant authorities.
Q: Can geckos be used for medical purposes?
A: Yes, geckos and their parts, such as their skin, blood, and organs, have long been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating asthma, diabetes, and infertility. However, many of these practices are not scientifically proven and may pose risks to human health and biodiversity.
In conclusion, getting rid of geckos from your house can be challenging, but not impossible. By using a combination of prevention, repellents, traps, and humane methods, you can reduce their population and minimize their impact on your life. Remember to respect and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Indonesian wildlife, including geckos, and to follow the laws and regulations that protect them.