House lizards, particularly the Asian house gecko, do not simply make an appearance in our houses. When they continue to go back to a certain place, it is likely to be a good place for them. They are fed, it is warm, and the surfaces they climb on are not slippery. It is not about getting rid of them when you come across one. It is about quietly changing those conditions.
They are drawn to light indirectly, not directly
Lizards are not attracted to light itself. They are following insects. Studies on the behaviour of urban insects reveal that nighttime lighting attracts high concentrations of moths, flies, and tiny insects. In turn, this attracts insectivorous reptiles such as geckos. The presence of artificial light changes the behaviour of insects, attracting them to lit-up spaces. Thus lizards are commonly found around tube lights, balconies and kitchen windows. Minimising the amount of light around windows, or using warmer, less attractive light sources can reduce this behaviour.
Their grip depends on surface structure, not just walls
One reason lizards seem impossible to deal with is how easily they move across walls and ceilings. This comes down to how their feet work. A study by the University of California, Berkeley reveals that geckos have tiny hairs called setae, which enable them to stick to smooth surfaces by molecular attraction. These hairs are most effective on clean, smooth and dry surfaces. However, dusty, oily and frequently cleaned surfaces with specific solutions can make this grip a little weaker. This does not stop their locomotion, but makes it less efficient, and that affects their habitat. That is why they like painted walls, tiles and glass.
Stability is the key to their home
Lizards are reptiles, and are therefore cold blooded. Research on the ecology of reptiles has indicated that geckos prefer to live in warm places with a consistent temperature. This may be in the kitchen, around the kitchen appliances or heat accumulating areas. This is why you see them more during warm weather, or in warmer rooms of the house. It can make certain areas of the home less appealing by altering the airflow, air quality or heat retention in those areas. House lizards do not remain in unstable environments. When food, surfaces and temperatures are not right, they will leave. It is not about trapping and killing them. It is about making sure they do not like it there.
