Geckos are animals that usually hide in the crevices of the house. These animals can also sometimes find their way into the house and are very annoying. Pet geckos can also move fast enough to make it easy for them to escape. If you want to catch and then release a gecko out of the house, track down a pet gecko that roams around your home, or catch a wild gecko to keep as a pet, you can do this easily, quickly, and painlessly if you understand the behavior of these animals.
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Method 1 of 4: Looking for Geckos
Step 1. Find out when the gecko is active
Most geckos are nocturnal. This behavior can help the gecko hunt for insects and avoid the extreme desert temperatures during the day. However, some geckos, especially the genus Phelsuma, are active during the day. This type of gecko is commonly called a daytime gecko. By knowing when your targeted gecko is active, you can determine how and when to catch it.
- Geckos of the genus Phelsuma are native to Madagascar and several islands in the Indian Ocean. However, humans have brought this type of gecko to the United States, specifically to Hawaii and Florida.
- Geckos of the genus Lygodactylus are native to Africa, including Madagascar, and also from South America.
- Geckos of the genus Gonatodes are native to the Caribbean Islands, and also from Central and South America.
- Geckos of the genus Eurydactylodes are native to New Caledonia.
- Geckos of the genus Tarentola are native to Southern Europe and North Africa. However, humans have brought this gecko to the United States, to Florida and California to be precise.
- Leopard geckos are nocturnal animals. However, research shows that this gecko is able to adapt to activities during the day. If you have a pet gecko of this type, your gecko may have adapted to being active during the day. Therefore, you should look for this gecko during the day.
Step 2. Know where to look for your gecko
If you decide to look for a nocturnal gecko during the day (or a diurnal gecko at night), finding a place where the gecko sleeps will help. Most geckos seek a covered and warm place to sleep. In the wild, Geckos may sleep under tree bark, in natural crevices, or under large objects. If you're hunting for wild geckos in your yard, try pulling loose tree bark or lifting fallen tree branches. If you're looking for geckos around your house, look for cracked foundations, cracks in planks or floors, or places where small lizards can get in.
Step 3. Understand the gecko's ideal temperature
When looking for a gecko, keep in mind that geckos are cold-blooded animals. If you're looking for a gecko to roam around in an air-conditioned house, it may be looking for a warmer place, such as under the refrigerator.
Step 4. Understand the laws for keeping geckos
The laws governing the capture and maintenance of wild animals, including geckos, may vary depending on where you live. Look for information at the Ministry of Agriculture or contact the competent authority in your area regarding the rules and laws of keeping geckos.
Method 2 of 4: Lure Geckos into Trap
Step 1. Create a humid environment
Most geckos like warm and humid environments. You can imitate this by setting up a trap that will lure your gecko into it.
- Make small holes on three sides of the old shoe box.
- Wash some paper towels with warm water.
- Line the bottom of the shoe box with a few paper towels that have been soaked in warm water.
- Keep the box in a quiet part of the house.
- Check the shoebox at least once an hour. If no gecko is trapped, try the next trap.
Step 2. Make a trap hole
This method is suitable for catching geckos outdoors. With a little preparation, you can make excellent trap holes for catching geckos.
- Dig a hole in the ground as deep as a bucket.
- Make a few holes to make the most of this method.
- Place a damp sponge in each bucket to prevent trapped geckos from drying out if they are not found quickly.
- Once buried, cover the top of each bucket with a net or fine mesh. The cover of the bucket should be large enough to cover the entire surface of the mouth of the bucket, but not so large that the trapped gecko cannot escape.
- Check the buckets every few hours. Bait can increase your chances of catching a gecko.
Step 3. Create a funnel trap
This type of trap does not have to be buried like a pit trap. However, this tool relies on a system that allows the gecko to enter it easily but is difficult to get out.
- Cut 3, 6, 8 mm wire mesh into 45 cm wide sections.
- Roll each piece of wire mesh into a cylinder and tie it together with zip, rubber or twine ties.
- Roll the remaining piece of wire mesh again into two funnels with a mouth that is about 5 cm in diameter.
- Insert the two funnels into each end of the cylinder, with the narrow mouths on the inside of the cylinder.
- Cut and attach two covers to hang over each end of the trap. This is done so that the gecko can get into the trap easily but difficult to get out.
- Don't forget to place a damp sponge in each trap you set up. Place the trap in a cool place to keep the gecko out of direct sunlight.
- Make your trap more effective by placing some insects, such as crickets, in it.
Method 3 of 4: Catching a Gecko
Step 1. Use the net
Using a large, long net is the easiest way to catch a gecko. This method can be applied to catch geckos from a considerable distance.
- Place the net slightly over the gecko,
- Make sure the gecko is in the middle of the net.
- Lower the net as quickly as possible. Hold the net to the ground or wall after you catch the gecko.
Step 2. Use both hands
Wear thick gloves to prevent gecko bites.
- Bend both hands so that they are shaped like a bowl.
- Point both hands slightly above the gecko.
- Lower both hands above the gecko. Make sure the gecko can't get out. Hold both hands flat on the ground, and hold your fingers together.
Step 3. Use a stick
A stick can be used to gently guide the gecko in the direction you want it to go.
- Point the stick slightly behind the gecko.
- As it moves, keep guiding your gecko in the direction you want it to go.
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Don't hurt the gecko.
Do not touch the gecko with the stick you are using. The stick is only used to guide the gecko towards the net or someone else's open hand.
Method 4 of 4: Holding and Caring for a Gecko
Step 1. Handle the gecko with care
It's best not to touch your gecko too often, especially if the gecko is still adapting. Some geckos will even bite humans who try to pick them up or hold them. If you have to hold or lift it, do it carefully so that the gecko doesn't startle or hurt
- Wear gloves if your gecko likes to bite. This will protect your hands from the gecko's bite. In addition, gloves will also prevent you from dropping your gecko when you are suddenly bitten.
- When handling your gecko, sit on the floor so it doesn't fall too high if you accidentally drop it.
- Do not squeeze or handle the gecko roughly.
- Don't pick up your gecko by pulling its tail. The gecko's tail may fall off. It takes 40 days for the gecko to grow a new tail.
Step 2. Let the gecko get used to you
After adapting to their new habitat, your gecko should get used to being held and handled by you. Take about 10 to 15 minutes each day to let your gecko roam past your fingers and hands.
Step 3. Create a comfortable habitat
Understand the habitat as it is suitable for your gecko species and imitate it as closely as possible.
- Nocturnal geckos should be kept in a dark cage at night.
- Place some objects and small plants for the gecko to hide in its cage.
- Find out if your gecko species can climb walls. If so, place a protective net over the cage to prevent the gecko from escaping.
- Place a bowl of clean water in the gecko's cage. You may also need to regularly spray the plants in the gecko's cage with water. Depending on the species, this is done to mimic the gecko's natural habitat in the wild.
- Give insects as food. Some geckos like crickets and caterpillars. Some geckos prefer small insects, depending on the size and needs of the gecko species. Young geckos may have to eat one to three insects per day. More mature geckos should eat four to six insects three times a week, or daily.
Tips
- You can place your gecko in a jar if you don't have a safe, good, secure place for it. Geckos need ample space to grow. An aquarium is a suitable enclosure for a gecko or small lizard.
- If your gecko is small, say 3-18 cm long, it can be fed by small insects such as flies, mosquitoes, small dragonflies and small cockroaches. If your gecko is large, crickets and other insects are suitable for food. Large geckos can also eat small mice.
