How to Keep Geckos Away From Your Patio? (7 Tricks That Work

You’re sitting outside on your patio in the evening, maybe enjoying the quiet or having a cup of tea, when you notice something move near your chair. A tiny gecko darts along the wall, pauses under the light, and then disappears behind a flowerpot.

You don’t mind them (they’re interesting little creatures) but after seeing them a few nights in a row, you start wondering how to stop them from turning your patio into their personal playground. So, how can you keep geckos off your patio without hurting them?

You can keep geckos off your patio by cutting off what attracts them (mainly insects, warmth, and shelter)and by using safe deterrents like peppermint oil, eggshells, and yellow “bug lights.” Simple steps like sealing cracks, keeping the area clean, and adjusting lighting can make a big difference. Geckos hang around for easy food and warmth, so removing those comforts usually convinces them to move elsewhere.

Once you understand why geckos love your patio, it’s easy to make it less inviting without ever harming them.

Why Geckos Love Hanging Around Patios

Geckos don’t just appear on patios at random. Your outdoor space gives them everything they want: warmth, food, and places to hide.

• Food: Geckos mainly eat insects. If your patio lights attract moths, mosquitoes, or flies, geckos will be close behind.

• Warmth: Patios hold heat from the day, especially brick or tile ones, making them perfect nighttime hangouts.

• Shelter: Flowerpots, cracks, and even furniture offer great hiding spots for small lizards avoiding predators.

Basically, your patio is like a cozy buffet for them; warm, full of food, and full of hiding places. Understanding that helps you know exactly where to start.

Start With Sealing Cracks and Gaps

If geckos are getting a little too comfortable, check for gaps or cracks they can squeeze into. They don’t need much space to hide or slip behind walls.

Look closely around:

• The edges of the patio floor and wall joints

• Door frames or sliding glass tracks

• Gaps around pipes, vents, or light fixtures

Seal small openings with silicone caulk or weatherproof sealant. If you’ve got screens or mesh doors nearby, patch up any tears. Even a few small holes can invite insects in, and geckos will follow.

Sealing things up doesn’t just keep them out; it makes your patio feel cleaner and more solid overall.

Reduce Insects, and You’ll Reduce Geckos

Geckos go wherever there’s food. If your patio is attracting bugs, that’s the first thing to fix.

Here are a few easy ways to do it:

• Switch to yellow “bug lights.” These lights are less attractive to insects, which means fewer geckos chasing them.

• Avoid leaving lights on all night. Motion-sensor or timer lights can help keep the area dark when you’re not using it.

• Remove standing water. Puddles, watering cans, or pet bowls can draw in mosquitoes.

• Keep trash sealed. Food scraps or open bins attract flies and ants.

If the bugs stop showing up, geckos usually lose interest pretty quickly.

Keep Your Patio Clean and Tidy

Geckos love clutter because it gives them places to hide and hunt. A neat patio isn’t just nicer for you, it’s less inviting for them.

• Move potted plants or decorative stones a little farther from walls.

• Sweep up leaves and debris regularly.

• Avoid stacking wood or cardboard boxes near the patio.

• Trim nearby bushes and vines that could give them cover.

When there’s nowhere cozy to hide, most geckos simply move along. They prefer quiet corners and cool shade, not bright, open, and clean spaces.

Try Natural Gecko Deterrents

If you want to take a step further, you can use simple, safe deterrents that make your patio less appealing without harming anything.

Here are a few gentle options people often find helpful:

• Peppermint oil: Geckos dislike the smell. Mix a few drops with water and spray it along walls, railings, and corners.

• Garlic or onion: Placing a few cloves or slices near the wall base or under furniture can keep them away.

• Coffee grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds near areas they frequent. The strong scent can help drive them off.

These methods are simple, non-toxic, and easy to maintain. Just refresh them every few days if rain or wind washes them away.

Make It Less Warm and Welcoming

Since geckos are cold-blooded, they love hanging around warm areas. If your patio traps heat, that alone might be drawing them in.

Try these small adjustments:

• Add a bit of shade using curtains, plants, or a light awning.

• Don’t leave outdoor lights on longer than needed.

• Move warm objects, like grills or planters that soak up sun, away from walls where geckos climb.

The cooler your patio feels at night, the less appealing it becomes to them.

Relocate Geckos Humanely If Needed

If a gecko keeps showing up no matter what, you can safely trap and relocate it. They’re gentle creatures and easy to move without harm.

Here’s a simple way:

1. Place a small box or container near where it’s hiding.

2. Gently guide the gecko inside with a piece of cardboard.

3. Carry it outside and release it in a garden or shaded area away from the house.

Avoid using sticky or harmful traps, they can injure geckos easily. A gentle relocation works best and keeps your patio gecko-free in a kind way.

Prevent Geckos From Coming Back

Once you’ve done all the cleaning and sealing, a few long-term habits can keep geckos from returning.

• Keep outdoor lights off when you don’t need them.

• Sweep or wipe down surfaces regularly.

• Reapply natural repellents every few days if they fade.

• Trim vegetation so it doesn’t touch your patio walls.

Doing these consistently keeps your space neat and uninviting for geckos while still comfortable for you.

When To Get Help

If you’ve tried everything and geckos are still showing up, it might be worth calling a pest control expert.

Professionals can help by identifying hidden insect sources or structural entry points you might have missed.

Make sure to mention that you don’t want the geckos harmed, many pest control services now use humane methods and focus on prevention instead of removal.

Conclusion

Keeping geckos off your patio isn’t about getting rid of them completely, it’s about helping them move somewhere else naturally. When you seal cracks, reduce insects, and use gentle deterrents like peppermint oil or eggshells, they usually get the message and move on.

A clean, well-lit, and dry patio is the opposite of what geckos want. By keeping things tidy, controlling lighting, and cutting off their food supply, you can relax outside without unwanted visitors darting under your feet.

And the best part? You’ll still get to admire these fascinating little creatures from a distance, knowing you’ve found a balance between enjoying nature and keeping your space your own.