What Do American Geckos Eat? (Discover Their Favorite Foods

If you’ve ever seen a little gecko darting across your wall or porch light at night, you’ve probably wondered what it’s doing up there. It’s quick, quiet, and always seems to know where it’s going.

That gecko isn’t just hanging out. It’s hunting. But what exactly are these “American geckos” eating?

American geckos mostly eat small insects and other tiny critters like crickets, moths, roaches, spiders, flies, and mealworms. They’re natural bug-eaters, basically taking whatever fits in their mouths. Some species even go after small worms, larvae, or other soft-bodied insects, and a few might lick nectar or fruit juice once in a while.

Why They Eat So Many Bugs

Insects are the perfect meal for a gecko. They’re full of protein, easy to find, and move just enough to trigger the gecko’s hunting instincts.

Most geckos are nocturnal, which means they hunt at night when bugs are active.

If you’ve seen a gecko hanging near an outdoor light, that’s no coincidence. Streetlights attract moths and other flying insects, and geckos have learned it’s the perfect place for a midnight snack.

They’ll sit still, eyes locked in, waiting for a bug to come close. Then, snap!, it’s gone in an instant.

Which Geckos Live In America Anyway?

When people say “American geckos,” they could mean a few different species. Some are native, and some were introduced from other parts of the world but are now common in many U.S. states.

Here are a few examples:

• Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus): Very common across the southern U.S., especially in warm states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona.

• Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia): Native to Africa but widespread in the Americas.

• Native North American species: Like the western banded gecko and Texas banded gecko, living mostly in deserts.

Despite their different origins, they all eat mostly bugs.

Most of Their Diet Is Made Up of Insects

Here’s what’s on the menu for a typical American gecko:

1. Crickets

Crickets are a top pick. They’re active, easy to catch, and full of nutrients. In captivity, crickets mimic a gecko’s natural prey best.

2. Flies and Moths

Outdoor geckos love these. They hover near lights, making them easy targets. The fluttering movement grabs a gecko’s attention immediately.

3. Roaches

Many geckos enjoy small roaches. They’re high in protein and fat, helping with energy and growth. Dubia and Turkistan roaches are often used for pet geckos.

4. Spiders

Yes, geckos eat spiders too. Even though some spiders can bite, geckos are quick enough to avoid danger. They’ll usually eat small web-building spiders that move slowly.

5. Mealworms and Waxworms

These are more common for pet geckos. They’re soft-bodied, easy to swallow, and full of calories.

6. Other Tiny Critters

American geckos might also eat small beetles, ants, termites, gnats, and occasionally tiny caterpillars or worms found under bark or rocks.

How American Geckos Hunt

Geckos aren’t mindless bug vacuums, they’re clever hunters. They rely mostly on sight and movement.

When a bug moves, the gecko’s eyes lock in, and it slowly creeps closer. Then, with a lightning-fast strike, it grabs the insect and swallows it whole.

Their tongues aren’t sticky like a frog’s, but they’re strong enough to pull prey into the mouth. Tiny teeth along their jaws help crush the bug before swallowing.

Some larger geckos, like the Tokay or American Green Gecko, might even eat smaller lizards or hatchlings if they get the chance.

What About Pet American Geckos?

If you keep one as a pet, their diet should match what they’d eat in the wild as closely as possible.

A good feeding rotation includes:

• Crickets

• Small roaches (Dubia or Red Runner)

• Mealworms

• Waxworms (as a treat)

• Silkworms or hornworms (for variety)

Dust the insects with calcium two or three times a week, and add a multivitamin once or twice a week. Some pet geckos hunt live prey, while others can learn to eat from tongs.

Do They Ever Eat Fruit or Nectar?

Most American geckos are insect-eaters. But a few tropical species, like mourning geckos or gold dust day geckos, sometimes lick soft fruit, nectar, or honey water.

It gives them extra energy, especially in warm, humid areas.

Still, bugs are their main fuel. A gecko eating only fruit wouldn’t survive long, it needs protein, fat, and minerals from insects.

A Gecko’s Feeding Schedule

Geckos don’t eat all day. Since most are nocturnal, they hunt at night when insects are active.

A wild gecko might eat several bugs over a few hours, then rest during the day in a safe, shaded spot, behind shutters, under bark, or inside wall cracks.

In captivity, feed adults every other day, and young ones daily to support fast growth.

How Much They Eat Depends On Their Size

A full-grown gecko can eat a surprising amount. In the wild, a small one might eat 3–10 bugs in a night, and a larger one could eat even more.

For pets:

• Feed insects smaller than the space between your gecko’s eyes.

• Offer 2–3 insects per inch of gecko length per feeding.

That makes sure they get enough food without overeating.

Why American Geckos Are Great Pest Control

If you live in a warm state and see geckos near porch lights, consider yourself lucky, they’re helping you.

A single gecko can eat dozens of bugs every night, including mosquitoes, moths, and roaches. In many tropical countries, people welcome geckos indoors for this reason.

They’re tiny, natural exterminators that work for free.

Do American Geckos Drink Water?

Yes, but not like you might think. In the wild, geckos rarely drink from bowls. They lick droplets from leaves, walls, or even their own bodies after rain or mist.

In captivity, lightly mist the enclosure once a day. Droplets stick to surfaces, and the gecko will lap them up.

Tropical house geckos enjoy high humidity, while species like the Texas banded gecko prefer it a bit drier.

Feeding Young vs Adult Geckos

Baby geckos eat almost every day to fuel fast growth. Tiny crickets, fruit flies, or pinhead roaches are perfect.

Adults slow down. They can go a day or two between meals and still be fine. Overfeeding can make a pet gecko overweight. Always adjust portions as they grow.

Can American Geckos Eat Human Food?

Not really. Geckos can’t digest most human foods. Bread, fruit pieces, or meat aren’t safe, their bodies can’t handle sugar, salt, or complex carbs. Stick to insects.

Why Variety Matters in Captivity

Feeding the same insect over and over can lead to missing nutrients. Different insects have different mixes of protein, fat, and minerals.

Rotate crickets, roaches, mealworms, and occasional waxworms for balance. Waxworms and superworms should only be treats, they’re fatty, like junk food for lizards. Crickets and roaches make a better main diet.

Signs Your Gecko Is Eating Well

A healthy American gecko will:

• Stay active and alert at night

• Have bright, clear eyes

• Keep a plump, not swollen, tail (where they store fat)

• Shed regularly without problems

If it loses weight, seems sluggish, or refuses food for over a week, check temperature and humidity. Cold enclosures can slow metabolism and appetite.

Conclusion

So, what do American geckos eat?

They eat mostly insects crickets, roaches, flies, moths, mealworms, spiders, and other small bugs. They’re expert hunters and natural pest controllers. Some might lick nectar or fruit occasionally, but bugs are their real fuel.

If you keep one as a pet, offer a variety of feeder insects, keep them gut-loaded and dusted with calcium, and your gecko will stay strong and healthy.

American geckos are nature’s own pest control squad, quiet, quick, and endlessly hungry. The next time you see one on your wall near a porch light, know it’s not just sitting there. It’s doing what geckos do best: catching dinner, one bug at a time.