House Lizards — Common but Unwelcome Visitors in Delhi NCR Homes

The common house gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis) is found in almost every home across Delhi NCR. While geckos are not venomous and are technically beneficial as they eat mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other insects, their presence in kitchens and living areas is considered unhygienic due to their droppings, which can contaminate food surfaces and cooking utensils. Their droppings also carry Salmonella bacteria in some cases. Lizards are attracted to warmth and light sources that draw insects — ceiling lights, kitchen backlights, and electronic devices are common gathering points. They enter homes through gaps around window frames, door edges, utility pipe penetrations, and ventilation openings. In homes with high insect populations, lizard numbers will be correspondingly high. Effective lizard management therefore requires controlling both the insect population that attracts them and the structural gaps that allow them to enter.