You walk into your garage to grab a tool or check on something, and out of nowhere, a tiny gecko darts across the wall. It disappears behind a shelf or under the car before you even have a chance to react.
They don’t seem dangerous, but after seeing a few of them and maybe spotting some droppings in the corners, you start thinking: how do I keep geckos out of my garage for good?
You can keep geckos out of your garage by sealing gaps, reducing insects, keeping the space dry, and using simple natural repellents like garlic, coffee grounds, or peppermint oil.
They sneak in for food and shelter, not to cause trouble. Once you make your garage less friendly to insects and hiding spots, the geckos will stop visiting.
Why Geckos Come Into Garages
Garages are like little hideouts. They stay warm, quiet, and full of dark corners. That’s perfect for geckos.
They’re usually drawn in by three things:
Bugs. Flies, moths, and spiders love messy or damp garages.
Shelter. Boxes, shelves, and tools give them tons of hiding spots.
Warmth. Concrete floors and engines that stay warm at night make cozy surfaces.
To a gecko, your garage is like a safe place to rest and a buffet of insects.
How Do Geckos Get In?
It doesn’t take much. Even a tiny crack the width of a pencil is enough.
Common spots they slip through are:
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Under the garage door
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Cracks around vents or pipes
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Gaps around windows or ceiling corners
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Torn seals on the side door
They can climb rough walls or metal beams, so height isn’t a problem.
You might seal the bottom, but one could still drop in from a vent above. That’s why sealing every possible entry, not just the obvious ones, is really important.
Step 1: Get Rid of the Bugs
Take away the food, and the geckos will leave on their own.
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Keep the garage clean. Sweep or vacuum often, especially in corners and behind shelves where bugs like to hide.
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Store trash outside. Even a half-full bin attracts flies. Keep bins sealed and outdoors if you can.
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Dry things out. Use a small dehumidifier or open the garage doors on sunny days. Damp areas attract gnats and ants, and geckos follow.
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Turn off unnecessary lights at night. Lights near the garage attract insects to the walls and doorway. Switch to yellow “bug lights” if you need lighting.
Cleaning up like this can drop the bug numbers fast, and fewer bugs mean fewer geckos.
Step 2: Seal Every Entry
After the bugs are gone, it’s time to close the doors, literally.
Check these areas:
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The bottom rubber seal of the garage door (replace it if it’s torn)
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Wall corners or cracks in the foundation
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Gaps where wires, pipes, or cables enter
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Small openings around vents or windows
Use silicone caulk, steel mesh, or weatherstripping to close them. Even tiny gaps can be the path geckos use at night.
Step 3: Remove Hiding Spots
Geckos are shy. They love clutter because it gives them cover.
Look for spots like:
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Behind paint cans or stacked boxes
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Under shelves or tarps
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Between stored tools or sports gear
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Inside open containers
Open up some space near the walls and corners. It makes the geckos less comfortable and also makes cleaning easier.
If you keep potted plants in the garage, move them outside. Moist soil attracts bugs, and bugs attract geckos.
Natural Ways to Keep Geckos Away
You don’t need harsh chemicals. Some natural smells work really well:
Garlic or Onion Spray
Mix crushed garlic or onion with water and lightly spray around doors, walls, and windows. Geckos hate it.
Coffee Grounds
Scatter used coffee grounds along walls or in corners. The smell keeps geckos away and masks the bugs’ scent.
Peppermint Oil
Put a few drops in water and spray near doors, vents, and shelves. Smells good to you, awful to them.
Eggshells
Dry eggshell halves in corners. Geckos sometimes think they’re predators and avoid the area.
Mothballs (careful)
Keep them away from pets and kids. They smell strong and keep geckos away, but can be overwhelming indoors.
Using a mix of two methods, like coffee and peppermint oil, usually works best.
What If You Already Have Geckos Inside?
Don’t try to catch them with your bare hands. They’re fast and can drop their tails when scared.
Try this:
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Open the garage door fully to give them an easy exit
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Move slowly near where they hide and gently guide them toward the light with a broom
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Avoid sudden movements or loud noises; they’ll leave faster if they feel safe
After they leave, spray corners with peppermint or vinegar water to get rid of scent trails. Once they see it’s no longer safe or warm, they usually won’t come back.
Are Geckos Dangerous in a Garage?
Not really. Geckos don’t bite, chew wires, or carry harmful diseases. They actually help by eating mosquitoes and other small insects.
The only concern is mess. They can leave droppings or shed skin behind boxes or on walls. If you use your garage a lot, it makes sense to want them gone.
Controlling Temperature and Light
Garages stay warm at night, which geckos love. You can make it less appealing by:
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Keeping the garage door slightly open during the day if safe
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Closing it early in the evening to trap less heat and light
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Avoiding bright lights near the entrance after dark
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Using LED bulbs that give off less heat and attract fewer bugs
Even small changes like this can make geckos think the garage isn’t comfy anymore.
Can Ultrasonic Devices Help?
Some people try ultrasonic pest repellents that claim to scare geckos away.
The truth is results are hit or miss. They can help if placed near entry points, but they’re not a guaranteed fix.
If you use one, pair it with cleaning and sealing for better results. Think of it as a bonus, not the main solution..
Keeping Your Garage Gecko-Free
Getting them out is one thing, keeping them out is another.
Weekly:
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Sweep or vacuum corners and behind storage boxes
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Check for spider webs or insect nests
Monthly:
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Reapply peppermint or garlic spray near doors
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Inspect seals, vents, and lighting
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Check for new cracks
Every few months:
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Declutter shelves and storage areas
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Wash the floor with mild soapy water
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Replace worn weatherstripping
These small habits keep insects and geckos away.
Why a Few Might Still Show Up
Even after all your work, it’s normal to see a stray gecko wander in. They’re curious, and your garage might still smell like bugs.
Don’t worry, a visitor doesn’t mean failure. If you keep up your routine, they’ll leave quickly and won’t stay.
If Your Garage Connects to the House
If your garage shares a door with your home, it’s even more important to keep geckos out. Once inside, they might explore further.
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Install a door sweep under the connecting door
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Keep that door closed when the garage is open
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Spray peppermint or citronella along the baseboards
This little barrier helps keep geckos from getting into your home.
Can You Move Geckos Outside?
If one gets trapped inside, you can guide it safely with a container:
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Place a small cup over the gecko gently
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Slide cardboard underneath
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Carry it outside and release it near bushes or in the garden
They’ll find a new spot to hide and keep eating bugs, just not in your garage.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals. They can hurt the geckos, damage walls, and be unsafe for you.
Avoid sticky traps too. Geckos can get stuck and hurt themselves. Focus on making your garage unappealing, not punishing them.
Conclusion
Geckos come into garages for warmth and bugs, not to cause trouble. Keep things clean, sealed, dry, and well-lit, and they’ll leave on their own.
You don’t need to hurt them or use strong chemicals. Just take away the food, the dark corners, and the moisture, and they’ll move on.
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.