What to Do If a Gecko Gets Inside the Car?
3 Answers
To drive away a gecko, you can try the following methods: 1. Geckos prefer darkness, so you can turn on the lights in the car where the gecko frequently appears. Generally, it will avoid well-lit areas. 2. Spray a strong-smelling air freshener in the areas where the gecko often appears. 3. Apply camphor oil to the corners of the car and the spots where the gecko is commonly seen. 4. Additionally, geckos are beneficial insects that help eliminate mosquitoes, so there's no need to drive them away. Usually, the presence of geckos indicates a high mosquito population; when the mosquitoes decrease, the gecko will naturally leave. Gecko's habits: 1. Geckos are nocturnal animals. During the day, they hide in concealed places like wall cracks, under eaves, or behind cabinets, and come out at night. 2. When a gecko is startled or when you try to catch it, its tail will immediately break off upon contact, allowing the gecko to escape.
When I find a gecko in the car, the first thing is to stay calm and avoid panicking. Immediately park the car on a safe, level surface, turn off the engine, and open all doors and windows to let sunlight in. Geckos usually prefer dark places, such as under the dashboard or in seat crevices, and they tend to burrow deeper when startled. What I often do is use a phone flashlight or a small light to gently shine on it, keeping a distance to avoid scaring it further, and let it slowly crawl out on its own. If it doesn’t move, never try to grab it forcefully or hit it with tools, as this could harm the gecko or damage car parts. I recommend waiting until early morning when temperatures are cooler, as the gecko’s activity level drops, making it easier to handle. Afterwards, thoroughly check under the seats and around the air vents to remove any leftover eggs, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to prevent bacterial residue. If all else fails, contact a professional pest control service for a safe and efficient solution.
Having a gecko in the car is really annoying, but I handled it directly by opening the door: first, find an empty spot to park and turn off the engine, then open all doors and windows wide. Geckos are afraid of light and love hiding in corners, so I used my phone's flashlight to shine on it and slowly guided it to crawl out. Don’t rush or chase it, as it will move faster. I also tried gently nudging it with my hand or a small brush, but don’t push too hard to avoid it biting or falling into the engine area. Act quickly and don’t delay too long, as gecko droppings can stink. After handling it, immediately clean the seats and dashboard with a cloth dipped in cleaner—it’ll be spotless. I always keep the windows and garage door closed to prevent them from sneaking in, which saves a lot of hassle. If I can’t handle it, I just call a friend for help instead of wasting too much time fiddling around.
