Wall geckos are small, common lizards often found in homes, especially in warmer regions. These reptiles are primarily nocturnal, frequently observed clinging to walls and ceilings after dusk. They belong to the Gekkonidae family and are recognized for their unique ability to navigate smooth, vertical surfaces.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Wall geckos measure between 7.5 to 15 centimeters in length, including their tail, though some species can reach up to 20 centimeters. Their skin can appear translucent or spotted, often a sandy gray color that may lighten at night for camouflage. They possess large, bulging eyes that lack eyelids, instead using their tongues to keep their eyes clean and moist.
A distinguishing feature of wall geckos is their specialized toe pads, covered with millions of microscopic, hair-like structures called setae. These setae branch into even tinier spatulae, which generate weak intermolecular forces, known as van der Waals forces, allowing the gecko to cling to nearly any surface. They become active at night to hunt, often seen near light fixtures where insects gather, and communicate through chirping or clicking sounds, particularly males defending territories.
Diet and Household Role
Wall geckos are insectivores, primarily consuming insects and other small invertebrates. They actively hunt a variety of common household pests, including moths, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and small cockroaches. They also consume termites, wasps, butterflies, and various beetle groupings.
These lizards serve as a natural form of pest control within a home, effectively reducing populations of nuisance insects. Their presence can lessen the number of flying and crawling bugs that might otherwise infest living spaces. By preying on these pests, wall geckos offer a beneficial service without requiring human intervention or chemical treatments.
Addressing Common Safety Concerns
Wall geckos are not venomous or poisonous to humans or typical household pets. While they might bite if they feel cornered or threatened, such instances are rare, and their bite is not medically significant. Myths suggesting they are harmful are not supported by scientific evidence.
Geckos can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which could pose a risk if consumed. However, this is not a concern under normal circumstances of cohabitation. The primary inconvenience associated with their presence is their small, dark droppings, which can sometimes stain surfaces.
Managing Geckos in the Home
Managing geckos in a home involves preventative measures to discourage their entry. Sealing cracks and gaps in walls, foundations, windows, and doors with caulk or weather stripping can block access points. Intact window screens also help prevent their entry.
Reducing the availability of insect prey makes a home less attractive to geckos. This can be achieved by limiting exterior lighting at night, as lights draw insects, and by maintaining general cleanliness to minimize insect populations. For a gecko already inside, humane removal methods include the cup-and-paper technique, where the lizard is gently trapped and released outdoors.