{"id":2355,"date":"2026-07-03T12:22:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T09:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/?p=2355"},"modified":"2026-07-03T12:22:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T09:22:27","slug":"why-geckos-are-every-gardeners-best-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/?p=2355","title":{"rendered":"Why geckos are every gardener\u2019s best friend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"cb-itemprop\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"373\">If you\u2019ve ever spotted a gecko darting across your wall at night or seen a small lizard basking on a sunny rock in your garden, don\u2019t be too quick to shoo it away. These fascinating reptiles are some of the hardest-working (and most overlooked) allies a gardener can have.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"375\" data-end=\"582\">Not only do they help keep unwanted insects under control, but they\u2019re also an important part of a healthy garden ecosystem. Here\u2019s why geckos and garden lizards deserve a warm welcome in your outdoor space.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"6brr6p\" data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"638\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"638\">Why geckos and lizards are good for your garden<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"871\">Unlike many insects that nibble on leaves, flowers and vegetables, geckos and most of South Africa\u2019s common garden lizards are insectivores. In other words, they spend their days (and nights) hunting insects instead of your plants.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"1034\">A single gecko can consume dozens of insects in one evening, while diurnal lizards spend the warmer hours searching for prey among flower beds, lawns and shrubs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1056\">Their menu includes:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1235\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1qcqv15\" data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1070\">Mosquitoes<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"170ot25\" data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1078\">Flies<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16w1a2t\" data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1086\">Moths<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1f20zd9\" data-start=\"1087\" data-end=\"1100\">Cockroaches<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1j42pcw\" data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1107\">Ants<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1e0esux\" data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1168\">Termites (especially winged alates during swarming season)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"xmvl0k\" data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1178\">Beetles<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1mq0qle\" data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1188\">Spiders<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"d4jplc\" data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1203\">Caterpillars<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"3065ds\" data-start=\"1204\" data-end=\"1224\">Small grasshoppers<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"q8s1tm\" data-start=\"1225\" data-end=\"1235\">Crickets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1385\">This natural pest control reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, helping to create a healthier environment for pollinators, pets and people alike.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"l4wjg8\" data-start=\"1387\" data-end=\"1435\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"1390\" data-end=\"1435\">Geckos vs lizards: What\u2019s the difference?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1608\">Although geckos are technically a type of lizard, gardeners often distinguish between the nocturnal geckos found around homes and the larger daytime lizards seen outdoors.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"2z9x3k\" data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1624\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1624\">Geckos<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1664\">Geckos are easy to recognise by their:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1666\" data-end=\"1809\">\n<li data-section-id=\"dcalua\" data-start=\"1666\" data-end=\"1699\">Soft, slightly translucent skin<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"4jjzo8\" data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1728\">Large eyes without eyelids<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"4xklgn\" data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1790\">Sticky toe pads that allow them to climb walls and ceilings<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"xmvzvj\" data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1809\">Nocturnal habits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"1890\">They are frequently seen around outdoor lights where insects gather after dark.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"11v0iqu\" data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1914\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"1896\" data-end=\"1914\">Garden lizards<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1916\" data-end=\"2008\">Many of the small lizards commonly found in South African gardens are active during the day.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2028\">They usually have:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2117\">\n<li data-section-id=\"kgcxu8\" data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2047\">Dry, scaly skin<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1j9r2ht\" data-start=\"2048\" data-end=\"2060\">Long tails<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1wuyvhh\" data-start=\"2061\" data-end=\"2074\">Slim bodies<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ixi819\" data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2117\">Excellent climbing and running abilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2254\">You\u2019ll often find them basking on rocks, boundary walls, tree trunks or wooden fences before darting into nearby shrubs when disturbed.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"lqs5my\" data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2300\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"2259\" data-end=\"2300\">Where you\u2019re most likely to find them<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2302\" data-end=\"2408\">If your garden already has plenty of biodiversity, there\u2019s a good chance geckos and lizards have moved in.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2410\" data-end=\"2431\">Look out for them in:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2612\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1gspu6t\" data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2444\">Rockeries<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"5dm34e\" data-start=\"2445\" data-end=\"2458\">Stone walls<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ctqix7\" data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2472\">Tree trunks<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1e9tuxo\" data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2487\">Dense shrubs<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1dmfxlq\" data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2503\">Compost heaps<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1u1zsew\" data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2516\">Wood piles<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"6kgahv\" data-start=\"2517\" data-end=\"2538\">Mulched flower beds<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"110swt6\" data-start=\"2539\" data-end=\"2553\">Garden sheds<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1viqqvt\" data-start=\"2554\" data-end=\"2564\">Pergolas<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"pz2lrx\" data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2581\">Outdoor lights<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"168wlpa\" data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2612\">Cracks between paving stones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2726\">Inside the home, geckos commonly appear on walls, ceilings, garages and patios, especially during warmer months.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"20w7nt\" data-start=\"2728\" data-end=\"2778\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"2731\" data-end=\"2778\">How to attract geckos and lizards naturally<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"2884\">The secret isn\u2019t attracting the reptiles directly\u2014it\u2019s creating the kind of habitat they naturally seek.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"d7thxa\" data-start=\"2886\" data-end=\"2919\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2919\">1. Plant a diverse garden<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2921\" data-end=\"3048\">A variety of indigenous trees, shrubs and flowering plants attracts insects, which in turn provide food for geckos and lizards. Layering your garden with groundcovers, shrubs and taller plants also creates safe hiding places.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"19ivsgn\" data-start=\"3149\" data-end=\"3183\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"3153\" data-end=\"3183\">2. Leave some wild corners<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3185\" data-end=\"3249\">Not every part of your garden needs to look perfectly manicured. Allowing a small section to remain slightly untidy provides shelter beneath leaves, logs and natural debris. A \u201cmessy\u201d corner can become prime reptile habitat.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"wk8kps\" data-start=\"3413\" data-end=\"3442\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"3417\" data-end=\"3442\">3. Add rocks and logs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3444\" data-end=\"3524\">Flat rocks are ideal basking spots where lizards warm themselves in the morning. Rock piles and hollow logs also provide safe places to hide from predators.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"kcrkg\" data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3633\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"3607\" data-end=\"3633\">4. Provide fresh water<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3708\">A shallow bird bath or dish of clean water benefits more than just birds. Place a few pebbles inside so smaller creatures can climb in and out safely.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1u4lo26\" data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3819\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3819\">5. Reduce pesticide use<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3821\" data-end=\"3931\">Broad-spectrum insecticides don\u2019t just kill pests\u2014they also remove the food source geckos and lizards rely on.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3933\" data-end=\"4024\">Some pesticides may also poison reptiles indirectly when they consume contaminated insects. A more natural gardening approach encourages healthier food chains.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"c2hxyx\" data-start=\"4095\" data-end=\"4145\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4145\">6. Keep outdoor lighting wildlife-friendly<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4147\" data-end=\"4245\">Outdoor lights attract moths, mosquitoes and other insects, creating an evening buffet for geckos. While excessive lighting isn\u2019t ideal for wildlife overall, warm, low-intensity lighting around patios often becomes a favourite hunting ground.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1cej6se\" data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4418\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"4395\" data-end=\"4418\">Are they dangerous?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4420\" data-end=\"4502\">One of the biggest misconceptions is that geckos and garden lizards are dangerous. In reality, the vast majority of species commonly encountered around South African homes are completely harmless to people and pets.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4836\">They don\u2019t chase humans, they don\u2019t damage plants and they rarely bite. If handled, they may wriggle or attempt to escape, but they\u2019re far more interested in getting away than standing their ground.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4838\" data-end=\"5022\">Many can even detach their tails when threatened\u2014a defence mechanism that distracts predators while the lizard escapes. The tail later regrows, although it may look slightly different.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"7dxih5\" data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5067\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"5027\" data-end=\"5067\">Common South African reptiles<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5069\" data-end=\"5165\">South Africa is home to hundreds of reptile species, but gardeners are most likely to encounter:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5534\">\n<li data-section-id=\"qwrlyv\" data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5239\"><strong data-start=\"5169\" data-end=\"5190\">Cape dwarf geckos<\/strong>, often seen climbing walls and windows at night.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1yu3c7j\" data-start=\"5240\" data-end=\"5302\"><strong data-start=\"5242\" data-end=\"5265\">Common dwarf geckos<\/strong>, which thrive around suburban homes.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"14idtko\" data-start=\"5303\" data-end=\"5369\"><strong data-start=\"5305\" data-end=\"5320\">Cape skinks<\/strong>, frequently spotted basking on rocks and paving.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1njc2nw\" data-start=\"5370\" data-end=\"5435\"><strong data-start=\"5372\" data-end=\"5391\">Variable skinks<\/strong>, common in many gardens across the country.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1wlvdl6\" data-start=\"5436\" data-end=\"5534\"><strong data-start=\"5438\" data-end=\"5448\">Agamas<\/strong>, particularly in warmer regions, recognised by their larger size and quick movements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5536\" data-end=\"5666\">Different regions support different species, but their role in the garden is much the same: keeping insect populations in balance.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"f4tian\" data-start=\"5668\" data-end=\"5713\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"5671\" data-end=\"5713\">What if you find one inside your home?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5715\" data-end=\"5869\">Finding a gecko indoors is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, it\u2019s probably helping itself to mosquitoes and moths that have found their way inside.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5871\" data-end=\"5904\">If you\u2019d rather move it outdoors:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"6055\">\n<li data-section-id=\"c5gf7p\" data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"5941\">Gently place a container over it.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"xeoz3x\" data-start=\"5942\" data-end=\"5988\">Slide a stiff piece of cardboard underneath.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1yiu339\" data-start=\"5989\" data-end=\"6055\">Carry it outside and release it near shrubs or a sheltered wall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6057\" data-end=\"6128\">Avoid grabbing it by the tail, as it may detach as a defence mechanism.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"jnd801\" data-start=\"6130\" data-end=\"6163\"><span role=\"text\"><strong data-start=\"6133\" data-end=\"6163\">A sign of a healthy garden<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6260\" data-end=\"6563\">Seeing geckos on your patio or small lizards weaving through the flower beds is often a sign that your garden supports a diverse range of wildlife. Alongside birds, frogs, bees and beneficial insects, these tiny reptiles form part of a natural ecosystem that helps reduce pest numbers without chemicals.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6565\" data-end=\"6680\">Rather than viewing them as unexpected visitors, consider them permanent members of your garden\u2019s maintenance team.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6565\" data-end=\"6680\"><strong>ALSO SEE:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/gardening\/insect-spotlight-lacewings-every-south-african-gardeners-secret-weapon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Insect spotlight: Lacewings are every South African gardener\u2019s secret weapon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"JjGWaguOis\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/gardening\/insect-spotlight-lacewings-every-south-african-gardeners-secret-weapon\/\">Insect spotlight: Lacewings are every South African gardener\u2019s secret weapon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><em>Feature image: Pexels<\/em><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/gardening\/geckos-every-gardeners-best-friend\/\">Why geckos are every gardener\u2019s best friend<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/\">SA Garden and Home<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve ever spotted a gecko darting across your wall at night or seen a small lizard basking<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2356,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2355"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2355"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2355\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}