It’s rare for me to spot a critter I’ve never seen before. As a kid, I was like Arliss from Old Yeller. I chased butterflies through the pasture, green anoles up tress, and crawfish in the creek. I once chased my mama straight into the pier pilings with a sand fiddler (I’m so sorry, mama!). If I know anything, I know my native flora and fauna. That’s why it surprised me to find a lizard on my porch that I didn’t recognize.
I didn’t think much of it at the time, brushing it off as a kid down the street letting loose a pet lizard. But then I saw another and another. Just last week, I saw three crawling up the house towards my porch light. Right then and there, I realized North Carolina has gained a new inhabitant.
Turns out, I was right. It’s Mediterranean house geckos that have taken up residence around our house. Wait, did you say Mediterranean? But I thought you live in North Carolina?! I do. Unbeknownst to me, the Mediterranean house gecko does too.
Ain’t he cute? Native to the Mediterranean region, people first observed his species in Florida back in 1910. They probably arrived as stowaways on cargo ships. In the 1950s, the creation of the interstate highway system allowed the species to establish in new areas. Since its initial appearance in the United States, it has moved into 21 other states, including North Carolina.
Although technically an invasive species, no negative environmental impact has yet been observed from the Mediterranean house geckos presence. Harmless to humans and pets, the insectivores thrive in our settlements. Typically spotted hanging out near porch lights in the evening, they feast on the bugs attracted to the light. In a pinch, they’ll munch on waterbugs and crickets too.
I, for one, am thankful for the services of the Mediterranean house geckos. As long as they don’t displace or decimate native populations, I welcome all cute critters that eat waterbugs. What about you? Have you noticed any of these cuties around your house?
**The information contained in the Invasion of the Mediterranean House Gecko post came from several websites including, tuscaloosanews.com, The University of Texas at Austin Biodiversity Center, and GeckoWatch.
Where so they hibernate? My husband found one in the warehouse where he works in the Piedmont area of NC.
Geckos hibernate in logs, under rocks, and probably in any cracks they find around our homes. I’m pretty sure the ones around our house hibernate in the roof soffit. 😉
Yes, I’ve not only seen them but done battle with the horrible things. They seem bent on invading my shed and breeding in there. Then they crap on all our things. When they get into the house they run up and down the walls. Do yourselves a favor and try to eradicate these things if possible. That they’re as far north as NC now is surprising.
I’m in Texas and they’re driving me absolutely insane. I don’t mind them
If they would stay in their habitat, but we have the same problem. They take residence in our storage sheds and poop all over everything. I was getting rid of some old paperwork in an accordion file folder and one came running out and I found that she laid her eggs in the according file folder! When I open the door, they run inside if and get lost somewhere if I can’t catch them fast enough. I try not to kill them for the most part but sometimes I do get fed up and do it if they’re hell bent on coming inside. While sure, I’m glad they eat bugs, but I have PLENTY of yard for them to be yet they like to hang out near the entry points of the house! I’ve been taking eucalyptus oil mixed with water and spraying them so they can realize this ain’t the place to be lol. It’s exhausting.
I haven’t had this issue – praise the Lord! I haven’t spotted any in our house or out buildings. I’m hoping they don’t become that kind of problem.