sioban Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 I have a totally irrational fear of geckos - I know they get rid of the bugs etc and the majority of people I know think that they are cute but they terrify me and I need to know the best way of keeping them out. We live in a modern apartment which has a glass front door and and a gap of an inch or so at top and bottom, I place a rolled up blanket at floor level to stop insects from just walking in but the geckos must be coming in at the top - swear I'll give myself a heart attack shortly if I don't find a solution! I have sprayed surface spray around but doesn't work, have googled and seen suggestion for diluted dettol which I hate the smell of but will try, just wondered if anyone had any other ideas. The only thing which does help slightly is wine - for me! After chasing said gecko out the door, a glass of wine helps me stop shaking like a leaf and if I've already had a glass I feel a bit more brave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 I have never heard of a gecko repellant so ive no idea what you could do, i havent been in a house here and not seen one either inside or on the outside of the window. I'd suggest going buying a big casket of wine,lol... Hopefully someone may have an idea thast may help you. Cal x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobj Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 G'day mate, have a squiz at this: http://gomestic.com/home/five-reasons-why-you-should-not-get-rid-of-geckos-in-your-house/ Cheers, Bobj. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pegibson Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 We had a similar problem in Malaysia on holiday once, Bought a laser pointer from the local market and had hours of fun watching them running around the walls after the dot, "it really works" you could do this and make them run outside after the dot..:xmas21: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Aww, I like the wee fellas! We had a few inside the house last summer but now we have the kitty, who chases anything that moves, they stay out! That's the closest thing I've seen to 'gecko repellent' but not practical for everyone ;o) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boganbear Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Dont ever try to get rid of them as they do eat mozzies and other bugs. They are perfectly harmless. Just be thankful for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted December 10, 2012 Author Share Posted December 10, 2012 G'day mate, have a squiz at this: http://gomestic.com/home/five-reasons-why-you-should-not-get-rid-of-geckos-in-your-house/ Cheers, Bobj. Had a look at this - thank goodness the geckos I'm getting in here aren't as big as the ones in the pictures! I know that they kill all the bugs and that it's mad to be scared but I am and my nerves are shattered, eyes on stalks looking for them at night so need to find a solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted December 10, 2012 Author Share Posted December 10, 2012 We had a similar problem in Malaysia on holiday once, Bought a laser pointer from the local market and had hours of fun watching them running around the walls after the dot, "it really works" you could do this and make them run outside after the dot..:xmas21: This sounds like a plan, I had thought about leaving a light on outside but didn't want to attract more - am off in search of a laser pointer this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbsy Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I wish you could send your geckos here--we love watching them and never get enough! I've never heard of it being tried on lizards but many animals won't cross a line of salt so that might be worth a try. Failing that, there are other animals repelled by a trail of ground pepper--if either of those work, I'd hope it would just keep them out without hurting the geckos (maybe somebody knows for sure?). Or maybe just post lots of pictures of Michael Douglas in his Wall Street role saying "Greed is good". That might send them off to invest on the stock market! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest16631 Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 ............shame you don't like them as they do eat lots of bugs..................but they don't like eucalyptus..............you can get a spray from your local supermarket........Euco clean..........it keeps most bugs at bay in the house..............good luck....tink x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 We had a similar problem in Malaysia on holiday once, Bought a laser pointer from the local market and had hours of fun watching them running around the walls after the dot, "it really works" you could do this and make them run outside after the dot..:xmas21: Used to live in Malaysia and gecko's were a welcome part of the local scene. Never heard of the laser treatment nor would I apply such. Anything that rids the dreaded mozzies is not bad...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I wish you could send your geckos here--we love watching them and never get enough! I've never heard of it being tried on lizards but many animals won't cross a line of salt so that might be worth a try. Failing that, there are other animals repelled by a trail of ground pepper--if either of those work, I'd hope it would just keep them out without hurting the geckos (maybe somebody knows for sure?). Or maybe just post lots of pictures of Michael Douglas in his Wall Street role saying "Greed is good". That might send them off to invest on the stock market! Perhaps applies more to roaches..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Seriously? There is no reason to fear geckos. They are adorable. I suggest you seek treatment, as the problem is with you not the geckos. Geckos are your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 I know I'm the one with the problem - everyone I know thinks they are cute. I don't want to harm them just keep them out the house so that I'm not a constant nervous wreck at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milliem Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 This house is full of Geckos. Almost every room has one in the corner of the ceiling at night. I don't mind them and they are cute but a bit noisy sometimes. A little cleaning up after them but they do eat the moths and mozzies. :wubclub: Millie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I googled fear of geckos - and it seems you're not alone. You could try hypnosis to try and get over it. Or maybe just try holding one to get used to it. Do you have a problem with other lizards - or with frogs etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 Pretty scared of both lizards and frogs but act brave in front of my kids as I don't want them to be scared and at least I've not seen any of them in the house. The thought of touching a gecko totally freaks me out, think that the fact that they move so quickly too adds to my panic. I can cope with seeing them outside but just don't want them in my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobj Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Pretty scared of both lizards and frogs but act brave in front of my kids as I don't want them to be scared and at least I've not seen any of them in the house. The thought of touching a gecko totally freaks me out, think that the fact that they move so quickly too adds to my panic. I can cope with seeing them outside but just don't want them in my house. Here's a nice little marbled gecko that was camouflaged in the bark of a tree. Cheers, Bobj. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bound4Tassie Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 I know I'm the one with the problem - everyone I know thinks they are cute. I don't want to harm them just keep them out the house so that I'm not a constant nervous wreck at night. so you don't need to get rid of the geckos .... You need to get rid if your fear! ... How about hypnotherapy ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest littlesarah Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 I agree that overcoming your fear of lizards would probably be the most effective long-term strategy. You could seek help from a qualified psychologist - I'd suggest you find one who specialises in phobias. There are lots of reptiles in Australia, so avoidance is likely to be a greater challenge than dealing with your phobia. It may cost some money up front, but a lifetime's supply of repellant chemicals isn't without cost either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tickled Pink Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Aw bless... people can't help their phobias I suppose, I hope you find a solution before you become an alcoholic! Maybe over time, when you become more used to seeing them, they won't be so bad. That's not to say you will get over it, but learn to live with them, and train your children to do the 'eviction' while you bark orders, in a supervisory capacity, from a safe distance.... with wine! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest16631 Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Aw bless... people can't help their phobias I suppose, I hope you find a solution before you become an alcoholic! Maybe over time, when you become more used to seeing them, they won't be so bad. That's not to say you will get over it, but learn to live with them, and train your children to do the 'eviction' while you bark orders, in a supervisory capacity, from a safe distance.... with wine! ............this could help.........My children have to remove spiders ,still have a fear even of dadylonglegs lol...(after 20 years here) ............it has helped the children be unafraid as they are doing something positive for you..........one of the sons used to be nervous of spiders............but as he did the removing......is squashing...he has become ...ok with them...........good luck to you.........tink x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted December 12, 2012 Author Share Posted December 12, 2012 Aw bless... people can't help their phobias I suppose, I hope you find a solution before you become an alcoholic! Maybe over time, when you become more used to seeing them, they won't be so bad. That's not to say you will get over it, but learn to live with them, and train your children to do the 'eviction' while you bark orders, in a supervisory capacity, from a safe distance.... with wine! This could be the best suggestion yet! Can just imagine in teenage year though them saying to their mates "no can't make it out tonight cos can't leave mum in herself" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTMI Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Good luck Sioban I'm another of the gecko lovers and am really jealous, I miss not having them chattering around in the place where I currently live. Brilliant entertainment value and if you have a few there can be a daily soap operas going on between them defending their territories. Had a thought that you might try find a recording of a male territorial noise that might deter others - but no idea if it would work? You might end up attracting more. I like the idea of training your kids to assist if the gecko's get too close. Sorry I can't resist but suggest maybe try allowing the gecko's within a certain distance of you, for a certain time, before they need to be moved and try to work on the amount of wine, time and distance over time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioban Posted December 12, 2012 Author Share Posted December 12, 2012 Good luck Sioban I'm another of the gecko lovers and am really jealous, I miss not having them chattering around in the place where I currently live. Brilliant entertainment value and if you have a few there can be a daily soap operas going on between them defending their territories. Had a thought that you might try find a recording of a male territorial noise that might deter others - but no idea if it would work? You might end up attracting more. I like the idea of training your kids to assist if the gecko's get too close. Sorry I can't resist but suggest maybe try allowing the gecko's within a certain distance of you, for a certain time, before they need to be moved and try to work on the amount of wine, time and distance over time? Reckon your idea will be much less expensive than the "professional" route, hopefully given time I will calm down a bit before I become a complete alcoholic. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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