Why We Should Never Chase Away House Geckos and Lizards
Have you ever noticed a small creature skittering across your garden wall or perhaps even inside your home? If it’s a gecko, you might be tempted to shoo it away. But wait! Let me tell you why you should actually welcome this little friend.
Geckos are remarkable creatures that possess a number of fascinating attributes. From their sticky toe pads that allow them to effortlessly crawl along walls and ceilings, to their exceptional ability to see in the dark, these lizards are nothing short of superpowered. Despite the sight of them making some people uneasy, the benefits they bring far outweigh any perceived annoyance. Let’s explore five reasons why having geckos close by is actually a blessing.
Geckos Can Help Control Harmful Insect Populations
For many of us, the thought of any reptile might be unnerving. However, not all reptiles are dangerous or unwelcome. Common house geckos, for example, are tremendously beneficial. They thrive on a diet of insects and can help keep the population of bothersome bugs like cockroaches, moths, flies, spiders, termites, and wasps in check.
Indicator of a Healthy, Eco-Friendly Environment
If you have geckos inhabiting your garden, it’s an indicator of a healthy, chemical-free environment. Many garden chemicals can be harmful to geckos, so their presence suggests that your garden is ecologically sound. Plus, these creatures do an excellent job of naturally managing pest populations, which insecticides may struggle to control due to pest resistance!
Geckos Protect Your Crops Without Eating Them
Unlike birds, geckos do not feast on the fruits and vegetables in your garden. While birds also contribute to pest control, they often enjoy nibbling on your berries, fruits, and crops. Geckos, in contrast, simply hunt the pests that threaten your plants, allowing your crops to thrive undisturbed.
Harmless Allies
Though their nocturnal activities and ceiling-crawling prowess might make geckos seem a bit spooky, they are actually harmless to humans. These reptiles are not venomous, nor are they aggressive towards us. Their bites are rare and typically only occur when they are distressed. Thankfully, these useful creatures are more interested in being helpful by controlling the pests around your home.
Understanding Risks Like Salmonella
While geckos, like many other reptiles, can carry salmonella, the risk is manageable. It’s not transmitted through bites but through their feces. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean any surface they might have visited and, naturally, refraining from intimate contact like kissing (which should also apply to other pets like cats and dogs).
By now, you hopefully see that the presence of a gecko in your home or garden is not as alarming as it might seem. They are, in fact, valuable additions to ensuring a balanced and healthy ecosystem. If you have stories or insights on other beneficial animals often overlooked or misunderstood, feel free to share in the comments!
