Expert Overview: Geckos and Lizards in Bryan & College Station
While they are not considered pests, but beneficial species, we often get calls to help control geckos and lizards. There are several species of geckos and lizards in our area:
- Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus): These small, nocturnal geckos are often seen on walls and ceilings near outdoor lights, hunting for insects. They are not native to Texas but have adapted well to urban environments.
- Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis): Often mistakenly called chameleons because of their ability to change color from green to brown, green anoles are actually a type of lizard. They are commonly found in gardens and trees.
- Texas Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus): These lizards are often seen scampering up trees or basking in the sun on fences and walls. They have rough, spiny scales and are excellent climbers.
- Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus): Similar to the Texas spiny lizard, the eastern fence lizard can be found in wooded areas and often seen on fences and tree trunks.
- Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus): These lizards are known for their bright blue tails, which fade as they mature. They are often found in wooded areas, hiding under debris or logs.
- Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis): Small and sleek, ground skinks are often found in leaf litter or under rocks and logs in moist areas.
All are predators of insects so they are on our team. They are not able to survive long indoors but can invade occasionally if doors and windows don’t seal properly. Sealing up entry points around doors and windows will help keep them outside.
The insecticides we apply won’t harm geckos or lizards. Like people, they have a closed circulatory system and a blood/brain barrier which protects them from insecticide. We see geckos and lizards in large numbers all year even at homes we spray monthly for mosquitoes. However, regular application of insecticides can reduce the amount of food they have, so may reduce their abundance over time.
