House gecko

The genus Hemidactylus, commonly referred to as house geckos, belongs to the Gekkonidae family under the order Squamata. While they are beneficial predators in nature, their presence within large-scale greenhouse facilities is often problematic for professional growers.

In agricultural settings, geckos do not feed on plant tissues, but they cause damage by contaminating crops with their droppings and secretions. This organic waste on fruits and leaves can facilitate the growth of mold and bacteria, significantly reducing the market value and food safety of the produce.

The biology of Hemidactylus is highly adapted to human-made structures. They are nocturnal hunters attracted to lights where flying insects congregate. High humidity and stable temperatures in greenhouse environments provide optimal conditions for these geckos to thrive and breed throughout the year.

Their negative impact is often linked to the disruption of biological control programs. Geckos frequently consume beneficial insects such as lacewings or parasitic wasps, which are introduced by agronomists to control aphids and whiteflies, thereby inadvertently sabotaging the entire plant protection strategy.

Effective management requires a combination of structural maintenance and habitat modification. Keeping greenhouses tightly sealed and managing lighting to minimize insect accumulation are the most successful strategies. Chemical control is generally not recommended as it poses risks to the crops and beneficial fauna.