Living peacefully with geckos has its perks

Having a couple of geckos around can seriously cut down your need for insect sprays and other chemicals. And unlike many bugs, geckos won’t leave toxic residues behind—they’re safe for your home and your health.

Want their help without letting them take over?

Here’s how to keep that balance:

• Don’t rush to chase them off: They usually don’t hang around in one spot too long.
• Tone down outdoor lighting: Bright lights bring in bugs—and where the bugs go, geckos follow. Reducing unnecessary lights can help if you’re not a fan of frequent gecko visits.
• Keep things tidy: A clean home limits insect activity, which in turn reduces gecko interest.

Time to rethink things

Rather than seeing geckos as creepy or bothersome, try viewing them as quiet little protectors working behind the scenes. Next time you see one, skip the chase—and give a nod to your home’s tiny, natural pest controller.