A small, hardy, nocturnal gecko that thrives around human dwellings and is one of the world's most widespread reptiles. It is easy to keep but is a notorious invasive species across many warm regions, so escapes and releases must be strictly prevented.
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Southeast Asia; now pantropical and invasive worldwide (incl. Florida, Hawaii, Australia)
Origin
Old World
Climate
🌴 Tropical
Family
Gekkonidae
Genus
Hemidactylus
Part of the Geckos
Geckos range from desert ground-dwellers to humid cave and forest specialists; eyelid geckos like Goniurosaurus and leopard geckos have movable eyelids and are largely terrestrial.
From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Photo coming soon
Minimum
Tall arboreal terrarium
12 × 12 × 18 in (≈ 15 gal)
A single common house gecko needs a tall 12×12×18 with vertical bark, foliage, and a basking spot of 30–32 °C. Low UVB recommended. They are nocturnal but benefit from a day-night cycle.
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Planted arboreal vivarium
18 × 18 × 24 in
An 18×18×24 with live or silk plants, multiple climbing surfaces, and a humid retreat. Mist nightly to 70%. House geckos are skittish — provide ample cover at multiple heights.
Photo coming soon
Ideal
Bioactive group vivarium
24 × 18 × 36 in, bioactive
Larger bioactive enclosure suitable for a small group (1 male + multiple females). Live tropical plants, cleanup crew, leaf litter, and varied climbing structure.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Egg / Neonate
Most reptiles lay leathery- or hard-shelled eggs incubated by ambient warmth, though some snakes and lizards give live birth. Incubation temperature can influence sex and development in many species.
Photo coming soon
Hatchling
Hatchlings emerge as fully formed miniatures of the adult, often using an egg tooth to slit the shell. They are independent from birth but small and vulnerable, and may show brighter or different juvenile patterning.
Photo coming soon
Juvenile
Juveniles grow steadily, shedding their skin periodically as they enlarge. Coloration and proportions shift toward the adult form, and growth rate depends heavily on temperature, diet, and basking/UVB access.
Adult
Adults reach the species' full length and mass and become sexually mature. Many reptiles show sex differences in size, coloration, or features (such as larger heads, hemipenal bulges, or femoral pores), and continue to shed throughout life.
Habitat & enclosure
Arboreal and nocturnal; house a single gecko (or one male with females) in a vertical enclosure of at least 12x12x18 in (30x30x45 cm). Provide cork bark, branches, and foliage for climbing and hiding. Ambient 78-85°F (26-29°C) with a small warm spot around 88°F (31°C) and a night drop; humidity 50-70% with regular light misting and good ventilation.
Substrate
Coco fiber, orchid bark, or a bioactive mix holds light humidity; paper towel works for simple or quarantine setups. Keep lightly moist with a dry basking zone. A cleanup crew can be used in bioactive enclosures.
Equipment & setup
A low-wattage heat source or low UVB (optional but beneficial) maintains the gradient; nocturnal habits mean intense UVB is not essential if diet is supplemented. Use a sprayer, thermometer/hygrometer, and a securely sealed enclosure — these geckos are escape artists.
Diet
Insectivore. Offer gut-loaded, calcium-dusted feeders — crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, occasional waxworms as treats — every 1-2 days for younger animals and a few times weekly for adults. Dust with calcium (with or without D3 depending on UVB) and a multivitamin on rotation.
Behavior & temperament
Skittish, fast, and not a handling species; they drop their tails readily and stress easily when restrained. Vocal, producing the characteristic chirping/clicking calls. Males are territorial toward other males, so house males separately. Best enjoyed as an active, low-maintenance display gecko.
Health
Very hardy. Watch for metabolic bone disease without proper supplementation/UVB, retained shed, and dehydration. As a prolific, adaptable species it can carry parasites from wild-caught stock, so quarantine and fecal-check imports. Captive-bred animals are preferable.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Hemidactylus frenatus is highly invasive and established in places like Florida, Hawaii, and across the tropics, where it can outcompete native geckos; never release one and keep enclosures escape-proof. Some areas restrict keeping or releasing nonnative reptiles, so check local law. Feed in the evening to match nocturnal activity.
