Why You Should Never Chase Away House Geckos and Lizards
Some creatures come with hidden superpowers — and geckos are among the most extraordinary! From their gravity-defying toe pads that let them scale walls and ceilings with ease, to their incredible night vision that outshines most animals, geckos are natural marvels. Yet, when these little reptiles show up in our homes or gardens, the first instinct for many is to get rid of them.
But before you shoo them away, here are 5 compelling reasons to welcome geckos into your space instead.
Geckos can feed on dangerous insects.
Many people assume all reptiles are dangerous — but that’s far from the truth. In fact, some reptiles are not only harmless to humans but actually helpful. Take the common house gecko, for example. These tiny insect hunters feast on pests like cockroaches, moths, flies, spiders, termites, and even wasps — making them a natural form of pest control.
And here’s a bonus: if geckos have taken up residence in your garden, it’s usually a good sign. It often means the environment is healthy and ecologically balanced — a place where nature thrives.
Geckos are sensitive to chemicals, so if they’ve chosen your garden as their home, take it as a compliment — it means your outdoor space is likely free of harmful toxins and environmentally friendly. Unlike chemical insecticides, which pests can grow resistant to or simply outlast, geckos provide a sustainable, natural solution. They stick around, quietly doing their job by keeping pest populations under control.
Even better? Unlike birds, geckos won’t snack on your fruits, vegetables, or flowers. They’re only interested in the bugs — making them the perfect little garden guardians.
These nimble, long-tailed creatures won’t touch your berries, fruits, or vegetables — a major advantage over birds. While birds do eat pests, they also have a taste for the crops you’re trying to grow. They may seem charming, but they can easily ruin a harvest by pecking away at your produce.
Geckos, on the other hand, are silent protectors. They patrol your garden for insects without causing any damage to your plants. And the best part? They’re completely harmless to humans — no bites, no stings, just pest control on tiny feet.
Geckos might seem like they have superpowers — climbing walls and ceilings with ease and making odd little chirping sounds at night — but there’s nothing to fear. Common house geckos aren’t venomous and pose no real threat to humans. While they can bite if severely distressed, it’s extremely rare and harmless. In reality, they’re more helpful than harmful, acting as natural pest controllers around your home.
Like many reptiles, geckos can carry salmonella, but it’s not transmitted through bites — it’s spread through their droppings. So if you find any gecko poop around, just clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. And as with any animal — whether it’s a gecko, dog, cat, or bird — it’s best to admire them without getting too up-close and personal (no kissing!).
Do you know of other misunderstood animals that actually do more good than harm? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
