The common house lizard that frequently appears in human dwellings is typically the Common House Gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus frenatus. This species has successfully colonized urban and suburban environments worldwide, often thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. They are attracted to buildings primarily because of the reliable food source, as artificial lights draw in the insects they prey upon. Their specialized adhesive toe pads allow them to easily navigate flat walls and ceilings, giving them access to sheltered spaces within structures.
The Reproductive Strategy of House Lizards
House lizards are an oviparous species, meaning reproduction occurs through egg-laying outside the female’s body. This contrasts with viviparous lizards, which give birth to live young. Oviparity is the standard reproductive method for geckos.
A female Common House Gecko can store functional sperm for extended periods following a single mating event, sometimes for up to 36 weeks. This adaptation increases their reproductive success and aids in the rapid colonization of new habitats. In consistently warm, tropical climates, females may reproduce year-round, while populations in cooler regions exhibit a more seasonal breeding cycle.
Physical Characteristics of House Lizard Eggs
The eggs of the Common House Gecko have distinct physical characteristics. They are small, typically measuring 6 to 10 millimeters (roughly the size of a small pea). The shape of the eggs is round or slightly oval, and they are laid with a soft, sticky exterior.
Upon contact with air, the eggs quickly begin hardening through calcification, resulting in a brittle, hard shell. This calcified shell is resistant to moisture loss, an adaptation for eggs laid in exposed or dry environments. Unlike the leathery eggs of many other reptiles, the hard, white shell feels similar to a tiny pebble when discovered.
Common Nesting Sites and Clutch Size
The Common House Gecko has a consistent clutch size. Females almost always lay two eggs per reproductive cycle, with clutches of a single egg being rare exceptions.
The female deposits these eggs in secure, concealed locations protected from predators and environmental fluctuations. They often use a natural adhesive to cement the eggs directly to a solid surface, such as a vertical wall or the inside of a crevice. Common hiding places within homes include:
- Wall cracks
- Behind large furniture pieces or wall hangings
- Inside electrical sockets
- Tucked into tight corners of cupboards
- Storage areas
Geckos may also use communal nesting sites, where multiple females lay their pairs of eggs in the same sheltered spot.
Management and Prevention of Egg Deposits
House geckos are generally harmless insectivores that consume household pests. If removal is desired, hardened eggs can often be scraped gently from the surface with a piece of cardboard or a non-abrasive tool. It is best to wear soft gloves during this process and relocate any intact eggs to a safe, shaded area outdoors if possible.
Long-term management focuses on making the home less inviting to the geckos themselves. Sealing all potential entry points is the most effective prevention strategy, involving filling cracks, gaps, and utility openings with caulk or weather stripping. Reducing the local insect population, the geckos’ primary food source, will also discourage their presence by maintaining a clean environment, promptly fixing leaky pipes, and ensuring food is stored in airtight containers.