You walk into the kitchen in the middle of the night… and there it is! A small lizard scurries up the wall.
You jump, take a step back, and it disappears behind the furniture. You tell yourself it’s “just a gecko,” but its presence still bothers you.
What if we told you there’s a simple, natural trick to keep it away—no chasing, no harsh chemicals needed?
Why Geckos Love Your Home
These small reptiles may be discreet, but they love the inside of our homes. Why? Because they find warmth, humidity, and—most importantly—food! Gnats, mosquitoes, tiny spiders: to them, it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you leave lights on at night, insects flock to them—and the geckos follow right behind.
While they do play a helpful role in nature, most of us would still prefer they stay outside.
A Simple, Natural, and Effective Home Remedy
Here’s a traditional grandma’s remedy that’s made a comeback—and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen: fine salt and garlic powder. That’s it!
Mix one tablespoon of garlic powder with two tablespoons of fine salt. Distribute this mixture into small containers (like bottle caps) and place them strategically around your home: near windows, under furniture, behind curtains, or in the bathroom.
The strong scent of garlic and the drying effect of the salt make the environment less inviting for our little scaly visitors.
Why It Works
Geckos, though quiet and sneaky, have a sensitive sense of smell. Garlic acts as a natural repellent thanks to its potent aroma. Salt, on the other hand, can help dry out the surrounding air, making the area less favorable for insects—and therefore less appealing to geckos.
Together, they create an olfactory and sensory barrier: harmless to you, but highly unappealing to them.
Additional Tips and Precautions
- Refresh the mixture about every two weeks to keep it effective.
- Clean areas where you’ve seen geckos—fewer bugs means fewer geckos.
- Seal small cracks around windows or doors—they love slipping through those.
- Keep your home well-ventilated to reduce humidity, which attracts mosquitoes… and geckos.
What If It’s Not Enough?
If you live in a region where geckos are very common, this trick can greatly reduce their presence but won’t replace overall home hygiene. Combine this method with good daily habits to maintain a clean, dry, and insect-free environment.
Sometimes, a small natural remedy can make a big difference.