How to Repel Geckos from Your Home

Geckos are common in homes. They often move along walls, ceilings, and even climb up shelves while searching for food. Although they can be a nuisance, geckos are harmless to humans and even help control other pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and moths.

However, geckos can carry bacteria like Salmonella through their droppings, so having them in the house can pose a health risk. Here are some natural and safe ways to repel geckos:

1. Eggshells – Geckos dislike the smell of eggshells. Wash, dry, and crush them into small pieces, then place them in areas geckos frequent. They will leave when they detect the scent.

2. Garlic – The strong smell of garlic repels geckos. Place garlic cloves in areas where geckos hide or travel.

3. Black Pepper – The pungent aroma of black pepper can keep geckos away. Mix black pepper with water in a spray bottle and apply to corners and spaces where geckos appear.

4. Chili Peppers – Geckos dislike spicy scents. Mix chili paste, chopped fresh chili, or chili powder with water and spray it in areas where geckos are seen.

5. Cold Water – Geckos are afraid of cold water. Spraying them will slow or immobilize them, allowing you to safely remove them from your home.

6. Bird Feathers – Small birds are natural predators of geckos. Placing feathers in gecko-prone areas can trick them into leaving.

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How to Repel Mosquitoes and Cockroaches Using Laundry Detergent and Sugar

Recent advice from VnExpress suggests a simple, safe, and cost-effective way to repel mosquitoes and cockroaches:

1. Mix laundry detergent and sugar in a 1:1 ratio, then dilute with water.

2. For mosquitoes: Pour the solution into a cut plastic bottle and place it in corners of the house or near plants. Mosquitoes attracted to the scent enter the bottle and are killed by the alkaline detergent. Replace weekly for effectiveness.

3. For cockroaches: Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on corners, cracks, or areas they frequent, or use a cloth soaked in the solution to wipe surfaces. The detergent clogs their breathing system and repels them.

4. Other uses: This mixture also helps eliminate unpleasant odors from drains and cleans greasy rags or stained cloth.

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How to Repel Mice from Your Home

Mice are destructive and unhygienic. To repel them effectively, it helps to know their habits, natural predators, and things they fear.

Common hiding spots for mice: dark corners, damp areas like storage rooms, wardrobes, behind kitchen cabinets, wall cavities, drains, and ceiling spaces.

Signs of mice presence:

• Strong odor and visible droppings resembling black beans.

• Noises at night like scratching or rustling near food storage.

• Damaged clothing, shoes, bags, or scattered waste.

Methods to repel mice:

1. Natural predators – Cats are the most effective, followed by dogs. Their presence and sounds scare mice away.

2. Camphor – The strong smell of camphor repels mice, cockroaches, and other pests. Place camphor tablets in cabinets, drawers, and corners.

3. Essential oils – Peppermint, lemongrass, or star anise oil can deter mice without harming humans. Soak cotton balls and place them in areas mice frequent. Replace every 3–5 days.

4. Cinnamon powder – Its strong, pungent smell keeps mice, cockroaches, and centipedes away. Place it in corners, under cabinets, or near trash bins.

5. Chili powder – The strong pungent smell forces mice to leave. Sprinkle powder or mix with water and spray in hiding spots.

6. Garlic – Garlic’s strong odor repels mice. Spread garlic powder or plant garlic around the house.

7. Pepper powder – Sprinkle near food sources, corners, or trash bins to keep mice away. Reapply every 2–3 days for about 2 weeks.

8. Vinegar – Its sour smell deters mice. Place soaked cotton balls along their paths.

9. Laundry detergent – Mixing detergent with leftover rice and placing it where mice frequent makes them uncomfortable and they avoid these areas.

10. Ammonia – Smells like predator urine. Place in bottles in mouse-prone areas but keep out of reach of children and pets.

11. Ultrasonic devices – Devices that emit continuous beeping noises repel mice effectively without harming humans or pets.

Preventive measures:

• Identify mouse hideouts and set traps like glue traps, cages, or bait stations.

• Seal gaps in walls, drains, or pipes, and apply deterrents like chili, garlic, or essential oils.

• Clean up leftover pet food, trash, and clutter to remove food sources and hiding places.