Repelling Geckos with Plants: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Repelling Geckos is Important

Geckos are common household pests that can cause problems ranging from making noise to leaving droppings around the house. While they don't pose any major health risks, many people find them unpleasant to have around.

If you're looking for an eco-friendly and safe way to get rid of geckos, consider using plants! There are several types of plants that are known to repel geckos naturally, without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.

Types of Plants That Repel Geckos

Citrus Plants

Citrus plants, such as lemon, lime, and orange trees, are known to repel geckos due to their strong scent. The smell of citrus can be overwhelming for geckos, causing them to avoid areas where these plants are present.

If you live in a warm climate where citrus trees can grow, consider planting one in your yard to keep geckos away from your home. Alternatively, you can place potted citrus plants on your porch or balcony to repel geckos from these areas.

Mint Plants

Mint plants, such as peppermint and spearmint, are another type of plant that can repel geckos. The strong scent of mint is unpleasant for geckos, making them less likely to hang around areas where these plants are present.

You can plant mint in your garden, or keep potted mint plants inside your home to repel geckos. Mint is also a great plant to have around if you want to repel other pests, such as ants and mosquitoes.

Lavender Plants

Lavender plants are known for their calming properties, but they can also repel geckos! The scent of lavender is unpleasant for geckos, making them less likely to hang around areas where these plants are present.

Lavender is a great plant to have in your garden or on your porch, as it not only repels geckos but also attracts bees and other beneficial insects.

Garlic Plants

Garlic is a powerful natural repellent for many types of pests, including geckos. The strong odor of garlic is overwhelming for geckos, making them less likely to stick around areas where this plant is present.

You can plant garlic in your garden, or place potted garlic plants around your home to repel geckos. Garlic is also a great plant to have around if you want to repel other pests, such as mosquitoes and flies.

Basil Plants

Basil plants are another type of plant that can repel geckos naturally. The strong scent of basil is unpleasant for geckos, making them less likely to hang around areas where these plants are present.

You can plant basil in your garden, or keep potted basil plants inside your home to repel geckos. Basil is also a great herb to use in cooking, so it has a dual purpose!

Other Tips for Repelling Geckos Naturally

Keep Your Home Clean

One of the easiest ways to prevent geckos from entering your home is to keep it clean and free of clutter. Geckos are attracted to areas where they can hide, so make sure to declutter your home and keep it tidy.

Seal Cracks and Openings

If you have small openings or cracks in your home's walls or foundation, geckos can easily slip through them. To prevent this, seal up any openings with caulking or weatherstripping.

Install Screens on Windows and Doors

Installing screens on windows and doors can help prevent geckos from entering your home. Make sure that the screens fit tightly and are free of holes or tears.

Use Natural Repellents

In addition to using plants, there are several natural repellents that you can use to keep geckos away from your home. Some examples include garlic oil, peppermint oil, and vinegar.

You can make DIY repellents by mixing these ingredients with water and spraying them around your home. Alternatively, you can purchase natural repellent sprays from a store.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. Are geckos harmful?

No, geckos are not harmful to humans. They do not carry diseases, and are generally considered to be harmless pests.

2. Will using plants to repel geckos harm them?

No, using plants to repel geckos is a safe and eco-friendly way to get rid of them. The plants will not harm the geckos, but simply make the areas less attractive to them.

3. Do I need to use all of the plants listed in order to repel geckos?

No, you do not need to use all of the plants listed in order to repel geckos. Simply using one or two of these plants can be effective in keeping geckos away from your home.

4. Can I use these plants to repel other pests?

Yes, many of the plants listed in this article can be used to repel other types of pests, such as mosquitoes and ants. These plants are a great natural alternative to using harmful chemicals or pesticides.

5. What should I do if I still have geckos after using these methods?

If you still have geckos around your home after using these methods, you may want to consider contacting a pest control professional for assistance. They can help identify the source of the problem and recommend additional solutions.

Using plants to repel geckos is a safe and eco-friendly way to get rid of these common household pests. Citrus, mint, lavender, garlic, and basil are all great options for repelling geckos naturally. In addition to using plants, keeping your home clean and sealing up any openings can also help prevent geckos from entering your home. If you have any questions about repelling geckos, refer to our FAQs section for more information.