House Gecko

Common Name: Common House Gecko
Scientific Name: Hemidactylus frenatus
Source: WC

Adult Size: Typically 7–13 cm total length

Native Range: South and Southeast Asia; widely introduced in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide

Enclosure: Small vertical terrarium; minimum around 30 × 30 × 45 cm with cork bark, branches and hiding spaces

Heating: Ambient 24-26 °C; gentle warm area around 28-30 °C; night drop around 20-22 °C

Humidity: 60–80 % with light misting and good airflow

UVB: Low-level UVB

Diet: Small live insects such as fruit flies, crickets and small roaches offered regularly

Water: Fresh water dish available; drinks droplets from misting

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Hemidactylus frenatus, commonly called the Common House Gecko or Asian House Gecko, is a small nocturnal gecko widely distributed throughout tropical regions. Originally native to South and Southeast Asia, it has spread extensively around the world through human transport and is frequently found living in buildings and urban environments.

This species has a pale grey to light brown body with slightly translucent skin and subtle mottling that helps it blend into walls, bark and other surfaces. Like many geckos in the genus Hemidactylus, it possesses adhesive toe pads that allow it to climb smooth vertical surfaces with ease.

In the wild these geckos are most active at night, often gathering near lights where insects are abundant. Their diet consists primarily of small arthropods which they hunt along walls, trees and other structures. Their adaptability to a variety of habitats is a major factor in their success and widespread distribution.