You may spot them sitting silently and motionless on walls or ceilings, and although they can seem a little unsettling, geckos are reptiles with fascinating characteristics from both a scientific and engineering perspective. What’s more, they are completely harmless to humans and highly effective at protecting us from insects such as flies, spiders, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, which make up a large part of their diet.
By Francesco Castagna
Small, quick, and elusive, geckos are among the many little creatures that can sometimes be found in our homes. They are small reptiles and close relatives of lizards. The species most commonly found indoors is known as the house gecko, and it often enters homes because it is attracted to well-lit environments. Geckos feed on insects—including cockroaches and locusts—and have learned that areas around artificial lights are rich in the prey they rely on for food.
You shouldn’t chase a gecko away because it is harmless, does not spread diseases, and acts as a natural form of biological pest control. If you allow it to remain in your home, you’ll likely have fewer problems with mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other unwanted insects.
What to Do If a Gecko Enters Your Home
Why Do Geckos Enter Houses?
As mentioned earlier, the main—and often the only—reason geckos enter homes is that they are attracted to brightly lit areas. Modern houses are often illuminated for many hours, especially at night. One of the most comprehensive studies on urban light pollution shows that artificial lighting significantly affects wildlife.
This alteration of the natural cycle of light and darkness changes the behavior of many animal species. As Professor Fabio Falchi, physicist and co-author of the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, explained:
