Lizards in the House: Are They Harmful?

House lizards, or geckos, are common in Indian homes, and most people live with them happily.

The short answer

House lizards eat insects like mosquitoes and moths, and are not poisonous. They can become a nuisance by leaving droppings and potentially contaminating food if they fall into it. Keep food covered, clean droppings, reduce insects and seal entry gaps. Handle lizards gently if you need to remove them.

Benefits

• Eat mosquitoes, moths and other insects.

Problems

• Droppings on walls and floors.
• Falling into food or vessels.
• Startling people.

Managing them

1. Cover food and utensils.
2. Clean droppings with disinfectant.
3. Reduce insects and lights near windows.
4. Seal gaps and cracks.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Are lizards poisonous?

No.

Do they bite?

Rarely and mildly.

Should I remove them?

Only if problematic.

Are they good for the house?

They eat insects.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on household pest control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full household pest control guide for Bangalore.